2 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 3
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Some of the top seniors from the Inter-Tri County League upper tier take time out from the Morning Journal’s basketball photo shoot. The players include (from left) United’s Emily Zehentbauer, Lisbon’s Pam Pierce, Crestview’s Ashley Harrison and South Range’s Lexi Naples.
MORNING
2012-13 Basketball Preview Edition
JOURNAL
INDEX P REVIEWS Team Page Beaver Local 4-5 Columbiana 6-8 Crestview 8-10 East Liverpool 12-14 East Palestine 16-18 Heartland 19, 27 Leetonia 20-22 Lisbon 23-26 Minerva 30-32 Oak Glen 33
Salem 34-35 Sebring 36-37 S. Range 32, 38-39 Southern 40-41 Springfield 42-43, 51 United 44-45, 54 Wellsville 46-47 West Branch 48-50 F EATURES Area leaders 25 Schedules 28-29
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4 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
BEAVER LOCAL BEAVERS
Special to the Journal/Magic Moments Photography
Members of the Beaver Local boys basketball team are (front, from left) Chandler Cornell, Matt Chamberlain, Troy Hudson, Zack Mick, Brandon Fetty, Josh Underwood; (second row, from left) Trevel Thompkins, coach Jeremy Christen, head coach Jake Walgate, coach Jeff Campbell, coach Dave Goodman, Jared Lyder, Chase Hillard; (back, from left) Christian Cooper, Tyler Kithas, Hayden Grafton, Conner Hall, Ethan Campbell, Dana Swartz and Josh Beck.
Beavers seek more improvement SCHOOL: Beaver Local Beavers. 2011-12 RECORD: 7-14, including a 2-8 mark in the All-American Conference. The Beavers were 0-4 in games decided by three points or less and lost their last three games. HEAD COACH: Jake Walgate enters his sixth season as head coach wtih a record of 16-89. He was the junior varsity coach at Southern Local for three seasons from 2002-05.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Campbell (varsity assistant), Dave Goodman (junior varsity), Jeremy Christen (freshmen), Denny Stoddard (eighth grade), Mark Cashdollar (sevneth grade), Cody Reese (assistant), Jake Lunders (assistant), Clay Cashdollar (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Troy Hudson (5-10 senior guard,
two-year letterwinner), Zack Mick (6-2 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Brandon Fetty (5-11 senior guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Matt Chamberlain (6-2 senior forward), Jared Lyder (6-1 junior forward), Ethan Campbell (5-10 junior guard), Josh Underwood (6-2 junior forward), Trevel Thompkins (5-10 junior forward), Chandler Cornell (5-10 junior forward), Chase Hilliard (5-10 sopho-
more guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Josh Beck (5-8 sophomore guard), Christian Cooper (5-8 sophomore guard), Hayden Grafton (5-7 sophomore guard), Conner Hall (5-9 sophomore guard), Tyler Kithas (5-10 sophomore forward), Dana Swartz (5-8 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Hustle and See BEAVERS, Page 15
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 5
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Beaver Local girls basketball team are (front, from left) Maggie Shemasek, Amber Meredith, Sierra Wright, Danna Talbott, Courtney Ricciardi, Ravenna Cianni; (second row, from left) Bobbie Ann Theiss, Mattie Anderson, Allison Kennedy, Samantha Bishop, Mercedes May, Haileigh Ketchum, Kaylee Horner; (third row, from left) Alexandria Talbott, Kennedy Rotellini, Hillarie Ketchum, Maranda Kiddey, Jade Favre, Connor McKenzie; (back, from left) coach Aaron West, coach Bill McComas, head coach J.R. Walker, Jordan Simpson, Ella Polen, Tannar Dolhun, Alivia Trevor, Samantha Kendall, Shawna Talbott, coach Kevin Fantone and coach Katie Boley.
Beaver Local girls will regroup SCHOOL: Beaver Local Beavers. 2011-12 RECORD: 6-15, including a 3-9 mark in the All-American Conference. The Beavers’ 15 losses were by an average margin of 24.1 points. They were 0-3 in Saturday games. HEAD COACH: J.R. Walker enters his second season as head coach. He was 75-90 in eight years as head coach of the East Liverpool girls through the 2007-08 season. ASSISTANT COACHES: Bill
McComas (varsity assistant), Aaron West (junior varsity), Kevin Fantone (freshmen), Sarah Lowe (eighth grade), Kerrie Haurin (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mattie Anderson (5-6 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Samantha Bishop (5-3 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Danna Talbott (5-5 junior guard, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS:
Sierra Wright (5-5 junior forward), Allison Kennedy (5-8 senior center), Haileigh Ketchum (5-6 senior forward), Mercedes ay (5-6 senior forward), Maranda Kiddey (5-7 junior center), Kennedy Rotellini (5-6 junior forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Ravenna Cianni (5-5 sophomore forward), Tanna Dolhun (5-6 sophomore forward), Hillarie Ketchum (5-4 sophomore guard), Courtney Ricciardi (5-6 sophomore guard), Jade Favre (5-7 freshman forward), Kaylee Horner (5-6
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6 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
COLUMBIANA CLIPPERS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Columbiana boys basketball team are (front, from left) Nick Berger, Joe Munyon, Kyle Bryan, Jake DeJong, Austin Miner, Cody Spalding; (back, from left) head coach Jason Baker, Austin Huffman, Tommy Couche, Nathan Garofalo, Bryce Franken, Devin Rice, Conner Witherow, Anthony Zocolo, Dylan Ferraro, coach Will Johnson and coach Eric Bailey.
Columbiana has everyone back SCHOOL: Columbiana Clippers. 2011-12 RECORD: 2-19, including a 1-13 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Clippers lost 11 games by 30 points or more and lost five others by more than 20 points. HEAD COACH: Jason Baker enters his second season as head coach. He was 6-36 as head coach at Austintown Fitch the previous two seasons and was head coach at Heath for three years before that. ASSISTANT COACHES: Will Johnston (junior varsity), Eric Bailey (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including all five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jake DeJong (6-2 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Kyle Bryan (5-8 senior guard, one-year let-
“I look for improvement and competing consistently every night.” JASON BAKER, COLUMBIANA BOYS COACH
terwinner), Joe Munyon (5-8 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Austin Miner (5-10 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Cody Spalding (6-1 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Nathan Garofalo (5-10 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Bryce Franken (5-10 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Devin Rice (6-1 sophomore forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Nick Berger (6-2 senior forward), Conner Witherow (5-10 junior forward).
JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Tommy Couche (5-8 junior guard), Austin Huffman (6-0 junior forward), Anthony Zocolo (5-10 junior guard), Nick Nemick (6-0 sophomore forward), Matt Baylor (5-11 sophomore forward), Drew Makosky (5-7 sophomore guard), Dylan Ferraro (6-1 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “More experience, improved skill and more depth,” Baker said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Clippers are trying to find a scoring threat to complement Jake DeJong. He was the only one to average more than seven points a game last season. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Jake DeJong 12.5, Kyle Bryan 6.1; Rebounds — Jake DeJong 6.5; Assists — Nathan Garofalo 2.0; Steals — Kyle Bryan 1.0; Field Goal
Pct. — Joe Munyon 38.6 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Austin Miner 67.7 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Jake DeJong, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: Just because the Clippers are moving to the InterTri County League lower tier this season, doesn’t mean it will be an easier. An inexperienced Columbiana squad had trouble putting puts on the board a season ago. The Clippers scored 50 points or less in 19 games and averaged just 35.3 points a game. “I look for improvement and competing consistently every night,” Baker said. The Clippers will find out quickly if they have made any improvement as they open against South Range, Crestview and Western Reserve.
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 7
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Columbiana girls basketball team are (front, from left) Khylea Fullum, Lindsey Roncone, Sam Stilson, Megan Cutlip; (back, from left) coach Dave Donnelly, Bri Gingher, Baylie Mook, Lauren Schlueter, Emily Witmer, Sara Nutter, Alexa Tringhese, Brynn Pennell, Taylor Simms, Elise Hammond and coach Ron Moschella.
Clippers are on their way up SCHOOL: Columbiana Clippers. 2011-12 RECORD: 6-15, including a 4-10 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Clippers were 07 in games decided by seven points or less and lost their last five games. HEAD COACH: Ron Moschella enters his first season as head coach. He led Boardman to 546 wins in his 31year career there, including appearances in the Division I state finals in 2005 and 2008. He resigned his position last December, citing health matters. ASSISTANT COACHES: Dave Donnelly (varsity assistant), Darcy Quinlan (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Khylea Fullum (5-9 senior for-
ward, three-year letterwinner), Megan Cutlip (5-9 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Lindsey Roncone (5-4 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Baylie Mook (5-4 sophomore point guard, one-year letterwinner), Brianna Gingher (5-6 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Aleah Whitacre (5-11 junior center, one-year letterwinner), Sami Stilson (5-7 senior forward, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Sara Nutter (5-10 fershman center),
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8 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
CRESTVIEW REBELS
Morning Journal/Michael S. Burich
Members of the Crestview boys basketball team are (from left) Greg Bable, Derek Bable, Andrew Batchelor, Nick Gates, Collin Gilbert, Robert Logan, Evan Nentwick, Austin Eskra, Josh McDade and Enzo Lucci.
Time has come for Crestview
SCHOOL: Crestview Rebels. 2011-12 RECORD: 15-7, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 9-5 mark. It was Crestview’s second straight 15-win season. The Rebels were 3-4 in games decided by singledigit margins and were 7-2 in Friday games. HEAD COACH: Herman Miller enters his fourth season as head coach with a record of 35-29. He was a career record of 113-99, including 27-35 in three seasons at Columbiana from 2004-07 and 51-35 in four seasons at United from 2000-04.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Andy Miller (junior varsity), Gerard Grimm (freshmen), Michael Adams (eighth grade), David Mackay (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Collin Gilbert (5-10 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Robert Logan (6-3 junior forward, one-year letterwinner), Austin Eskra (6-3 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Derek Bable (64 senior forward-center, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Nick Gates (5-7 senior guard), Andrew
Batchelor (5-10 senior guard), Evan Nentwick (5-11 senior guard), Josh McDade (6-2 junior forward), Greg Bable (6-1 junior forward), Enzo Lucci (5-11 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Dylan Hart (5-10 junior guard), Eric Lloyd (6-3 sophomore forward), Joey Mellinger (6-0 sophomore guard-forward), Jesse Best (6-0 sophomore guard), Corey Kissinger (5-10 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Overall team speed and athleticism, nice depth, good team size, building on success of backto-back 15-win seasons, great work
ethic and hunger for success,” Miller said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Key losses in scoring from last year, varsity experience beyond letterwinners and establishing chemistry with many new faces,” Miller said. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — C.J. Collins (graduated) 12.9, Tom Oliver (graduated) 9.0; Rebounds — C.J. Collins (graduated) 10.7; Assists — Adam Coppopck (graduated) 4.6; Steals — Adam Coppock (graduated) 2.2; Blocks — C.J. Collins (graduated) See CRESTVIEW, Page 10
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 9
Morning Journal/Michael S. Burich
Members of the Crestview girls basketball team are (from left) head coach Rick Gates, Tristan Huff, Dana Drinnon, Morgan Newbauer, Alexis Marnejon, Savannah Elwonger, Ashley Harrison, Bri Cope, Anna Hardenbrook, Emilee Chlebus and coach Jim Gates.
Rebels continue winning ways SCHOOL: Crestview Rebels. 2011-12 RECORD: 16-7, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 9-5 mark. The Rebels were 8-2 at home and 2-3 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Rick Gates enters his fourth season as girls coach with a record of 41-28. He was 206-170 in 17 seasons as Crestview boys coach, including a district title in 2000. He also was the Crestview junior varsity coach for three years with a record of 49-13. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jim Gates (varsity assistant), Emily Corll (junior varsity), James Gilbert (eighth grade), Cynthia Straney (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including four starters.
RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Ashley Harrison (senior, threeyear letterwinner), Morgan Newbauer (senior, three-year letterwinner), Alexis Marnejon (senior, one-year letterwinner), Annie Hardenbrook (junior, twoyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Savannah Elwonger (senior), Emilee Chlebus (junior), Tristan Huff (sophomore), Dana Drinnon (sophomore), Bri Cope (sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Emma Bailey (freshman), Cait Bowman (freshman), Taylor Coblentz (freshman), Bethany Genova (freshman), Becky Good (freshman), Ali Smith (freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: Crestview returns four starters, including top scorer Ashley Harrison.
TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Rebels are looking for another scorers to take some of the defensive pressure off of Harrison, who enters the season with 1,168 career points. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Ashley Harrison 18.3, Morgan Newbauer 7.9; Assists — Ashley Harrison 4.7; Steals — Ashley Harrison 4.7; Free Throw Pct. — Ashley Harrison 64 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Ashley Harrison, special mention Division IV All-Ohio, Morning Journal All-Area Player of the Year and Columbiana County Player of the Year. Morgan Newbauer, honorable mention All-Area. Gerie Sickle (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Crestview
will play four seniors, two juniors and three sophomores. The rest after that are freshmen. “Crestview will need to grow up in a hurry to be competitive in a very tough ITCL, and many good non-league teams like Salem, Newton Falls, Beaver Local, Youngstown Christian, Leetonia and Columbiana both home and away,” Gates said. The Rebels have a solid core of players who have guided the team to 30 wins in their last 43 games entering the season. Defense will be a big factor. The Rebels gave up an average of 37.9 points in their 16 wins last season and 51.9 points in their seven losses. The Rebels expect to be one of the See REBELS, Page 10
10 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
CRESTVIEW, Continued from Page 8
2.2; Field Goal Pct. — C.J. Collins (graduated) 55 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Tom Oliver (graduated) 55 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: C.J. Collins (graduated) first-team All-Area. Adam Coppock (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Tom Oliver (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Even though the Rebels lost a lot of talent due to the graduation of six seniors, there is a lot coming back. Crestview is a preseason favorite in the ITCL upper tier. The Rebels know how to win, capturing victories in eight of their last 10 regular-season games. “After a late start due to football, the Rebels have to gel returning players with a JV team that went undefeated last season,” Miller said. “Overall, there is probably a lot of parity in a league that has a lot of teams rebuilding.” One of the keys will be consistency on offense. Last season, the Rebels averaged 61.9 points in their 15 wins and 42.7 points in their seven losses. If they can do that, the Rebels will be hard to beat. “The league was very senior heavy last year,” Miller said. “Springfield, South Range and Crestview all graduated key seniors from the top three teams. Springfield is the defending champ with a couple of returning starters and should be the favorite to start.”
Crestview’s Savannah Elwonger tries to get around Beaver Local’s Mattie Anderson (40) during the Rebels’ 62-32 win on Nov. 26, 2012.
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
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top teams in the ITCL upper tier if they can find another scorer so opponents can’t focus solely on Harrison. “The ITCL looks to be very competitive this season,” Gates said. “United, on paper, will be the frontrunner. South Range, JacksonMilton, Mineral Ridge, East Palestine, Lisbon and Springfield all have key players back and will be very competitive.”
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 11
CLIPPERS, Continued from Page 7
more forward), Paige Pancake (5-8 junior forward), Taylor Couche (5-4 sophomore guard), Abbey Fleeson (5-10 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Athletic, speed, quickness, returning players, good team attitude, the team has a desire to learn the game.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Team rebounding, taking care of the ball (eliminate turnovers), playing together as a team, passing needs to improve, defense needs to improve.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Khylea Fullum 15.6, Megan Cutlip 6.7, Makenzie Logan (graduated) 6.0; Rebounds — Khylea Fullum 10.5; Free
Throw Pct. — Khylea Fullum 61.2 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Khylea Fullum, second-team All-Area. Megan Cutlip, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Columbiana will play an aggressive style of basketball that Moschella’s teams are known for. The Clippers return four starters and nearly 80 percent of their scoring from last season. Columbiana moves to the ITCL lower tier this season and will be the biggest threat to Lowellville’s four-year reign in the league.
2012-13 SCHEDULES Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Clipppers on the move New Columbiana girls basketball coach Ron Moschella gives encouragement to Bri Gingher (left) and Lindsey Roncone in the Clippers’ season opener on Nov. 23, 2012. Columbiana’s Megan Cutlip (right) tries to make her way through the South Range defense. Columbiana won 36-29 to give Moschella his 547th career victory.
Heartland boys Nov. 27 ..............................................................at Wellsville Nov. 29.................................................................at Sebring Dec. 3........................................................at East Palestine Dec. 6......................................................at CantonHeritage Dec. 10......................................................Jefferson County Dec. 14 ....................................................at American Spirit Dec. 19 .........................................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 22..................................................................Campbell Dec. 27 ......................................................................Lisbon Dec. 28 .............................................................at Crestview Jan. 3 .......................................................................Sebring Jan. 12..........................................................at Lake Center Jan. 16 .....................................................at Southern Local Jan. 21 .................................................................Lordstown Jan. 25 .........................................................American Spirit Jan. 29 .......................................................Canton Heritage Feb. 4 ....................................................at Jefferson County Feb. 7....................................................................at Badger Feb. 9 ...................................................................McDonald Feb. 11...................................................................Wellsville
Oak Glen boys Dec. 4............................................................................Weir Dec. 10.............................................at Steubenville Central Dec. 15.......................................................at East Fairmont Dec. 17...............................................................at Magnolia Dec. 22 ............................................................North Marion Dec. 29 ............................................................Beaver Local Jan. 2.........................................................at East Liverpool Jan. 5 .......................................................Weirton Madonna Jan. 7...........................................................at Beaver Local Jan. 10.......................................................................Brooke Jan. 14 ...........................................................East Liverpool Jan. 19...................................................................at Edison Jan. 21 ...........................................................East Fairmont Jan. 24.......................................................................at Weir Jan. 26 .................................................at Weirton Madonna Jan. 28..................................................Steubenville Central Jan. 30.......................................................................Edison Feb. 1 .....................................................................Magnolia Feb. 4 ..........................................................................OVAC Feb. 7 ..........................................................................OVAC Feb. 11 ..................................................................at Brooke Feb. 15 ........................................................at North Marion
Heartland girls Nov. 30 .....................................................................Badger Dec. 4..................................................................Rootstown Dec. 7................................................Lake Center Christian Dec. 8 .............................................East Richland Christian Dec. 11..................................................................Kingsway Dec. 14 ........................................................American Spirit Dec. 21 ......................................................Canton Heritage Dec. 28.............................................................at Crestview Jan. 2...............................................................at Lowellville Jan. 4.....................................................................at United Jan. 8 ....................................................at Jefferson County Jan. 15.................................................................Lordstown Jan. 18 .......................................................Canton Heritage Jan. 22....................................................................Leetonia Jan. 25.........................................................American Spirit Feb. 1........................................................Jefferson County Feb. 7................................................................at Kingsway Feb. 9.........................................................................United Feb. 12.....................................................................Sebring Feb. 15 ..................................................................at Lisbon Feb. 19 .................................................................Crestview Feb. 21.....................................................at Southern Local
Oak Glen girls Dec. 7........................................................at John Marshall Dec. 11 .....................................................................at Weir Dec. 14 .........................................................East Liverpool Dec. 15 ...........................................................North Marion Dec. 18 ............................................at Steubenville Central Dec. 22 ...........................................................Beaver Local Dec. 28 .................................................................Wellsville Jan. 4 ....................................................Steubenville Cental Jan. 5.......................................................Weirton Madonna Jan. 8 ..........................................................at Beaver Local Jan. 12.......................................................at East Fairmont Jan. 15..........................................................................Weir Jan. 19........................................................at North Marion Jan. 22......................................................................Brooke Jan. 25 ......................................................at East Liverpool Jan. 29...........................................................John Marshall Feb. 2 ............................................................East Fairmont Feb. 5 ..................................................at Weirton Madonna Feb. 12 .......................................................................OVAC Feb. 15 .......................................................................OVAC Feb. 19 .................................................................at Brooke Feb. 22 ..............................................................at Wellsville
12 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
EAST LIVERPOOL POTTERS
Special to the Journal/Jimmy Joe Savage
Members of the East Liverpool boys basketball team are (front, from left) manager Quinn Lyle, Owen Crawford, Rayian Burson, Matt Hildith, Aaron Long, Derek Thompson, DJ Austin, Austin Emmerling, Hayden Cunningham, John Richerd, Kade Reynolds, ball girl Isabell Perez; (second row, from left) coach Eric Rogers, Ryan Bombich, Briar Meek, Zack Adkins, coach Scott Rogers, head coach Nate Conley, Devon Zubay, Dillan Reynolds, Isaac Davidson, coach Josh Reed; (back, from left) Austin Burson, Dallas Brewer, Brent Waggle, Chase Mahon, Kevin Mackey, C.J. Harris, Chris Mackey, Joey Bickerton,Austyn Dozier and Ben Adams
East Liverpool has new lineup SCHOOL: East Liverpool Potters. 2011-12 RECORD: 19-4, including the Potters’ first sectional title since 2005. The Potters were ranked eighth in the Division II state poll. They were 7-1 in games decided by single-digit margins and lost two of their last four games, both to St. Clairsville. HEAD COACH: Nate Conley enters his third season as head coach with a record of 33-12. He was the Morning Journal All-Area Coach of the Year and Columbiana County Coach of the Year. He spent three season as an associated head coach at Geneva and also served as a graduate assistant at Seton Hill (Pa.) University. ASSISTANT COACHES: Scott
“These young athletes are still trying to find what role they best fit as a Potter basketball player.” NATE CONLEY, EAST LIVERPOOL BOYS COACH
Rogers (varsity assistant), Josh Reed (junior varsity), Eric Rogers (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, neither starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Hayden Cunningham (6-1 junior, one-year letterwinner), Derek
Thompson (6-3 senior, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kade Reynolds (5-9 sophomore), D.J. Austin (5-8 junior), Austin Emmerling (6-2 junior), Aaron Long (6-5 junior forward), Owen Crawford (6-2 sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Matt Hilditch (6-0 junior), John Rickerd (6-0 junior, Ryian Burson (510 junior), Brent Waggle (5-8 sophomore), Joey Bickerton (5-9 sophomore), Chase Mahon (6-0 sophomore), Chris Mackey (6-1 sophomore), CJ Harris (6-2 sophomore), Kevin Mackey (6-1 sophomore), Briar Meek (5-8 freshman, Isaac Davidson (5-8 fresh-
man), Dillan Reynolds (5-10 freshman), Ryan Bombich (5-6 freshman), Ben Adams (5-8 freshman), Austin Burson (5-7 freshman), Dallas Brewer (5-8 freshman), Austyn Dozier (5-10 freshman), Zack Adkins (5-9 freshman), Devin Zubay (6-4 freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: “This group of student-athletes got to see the dedication and hard work required to be a state-ranked team last year,” Conley said. “Being involved in competitive practices, playing against some of the best basketball players in the county on a daily basis last year has translated into emulating that hard work and trying to See EAST LIVERPOOL, Page 14
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 13
Special to the Journal/Jimmy Joe Savage
Members of the East Liverpool girls basketball team are (front, from left) Ronnie Bailey, Taryn Williams, Nikayla Edgell, Linsey Rose, Mavis Davis; (second row, from left) Candace Holmes, Jamie Neville, Sarah Morrell, Mary Davis, Anna Arcuragi; (third row, from left) coach Sam Cianni, coach Alexa Smith, Chelsea Possage, Raeanna Holmes, head coach Allan Dingey, Kiara Cowart, India Christian, coach Liz Connor; (back, from left) Elise Smith, Carly Lacey, Caitlyn Davis, Justine Conrad and Daianarviah Hanlon.
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14 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
Challenges lie ahead for Potters SCHOOL: East Liverpool Potters. 2011-12 RECORD: 13-7. The Potters got off to a 9-1 start before losing four straight games. They were 7-4 in games decided by seven points or less. HEAD COACH: Allan Dingey enters his first season as head coach. He has been a junior high girls coach at Wellsville the previous 10 years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Liz Connor (varsity assistant), Alexa Smith (junior varsity), Samantha Cianni (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mary Davis (5-6 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Candace Holmes (6-0 senior post, one-year letterwinner), Nikayla Edgell (5-4 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner), Chelsea Possage (5-6 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner).
INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Sarah Morrell (5-8 senior guard-post), Jaime Neville (5-3 senior guard), Anna Arcuragi (5-8 senior post), Kiara Cowart (5-8 junior post), Rae Ana Holmes (6-1 junior post). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: India Christian (5-4 junior guard), Caitland Davis (5-8 freshman guard), Ronnie Bailey (5-5 sophomore guard), Linsey Rose (5-3 sophomore guard), Elise Smith (5-7 sophomore), Taryn Williams (5-4 sophomore guard), Mavis Davis (5-3 sophomore guard), Justine Conrad (5-6 freshman guard), Daianariah Hanlon (5-6 freshman post), Carly Lacey (5-4 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “I feel that we are able to play up-tempo with our team’s speed and quickness and also half-court offense due to our size and outside shoting,” Dingey said. “Also, I like our team depth.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Lack of
varsity experience,” Dingey said. “Our team defense is a work in progress. We are still learning to run the offense.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Mallory Waggle (graduated) 14.8, Whittni Davidson (graduated) 13.2, Kelsie Wymer (graduation) 7.5. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Mallory Waggle (graduated) first-team All-Area. Whittni Davidson (graduated) second-team All-Area. Kelsie Wymer (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Potters have a new coach and a new lineup. “It will be a learning experience with a new coaching staff and players with limited varsity experience,” Dingey said. “We need to take one game at a time and work together to improve as the season progresses. I am looking for a team that plays with high energy, exhibits teamwork and are proud to be a
Lady Potter.” East Liverpool lost its top three players (Mallory Waggle, Whittni Davidson and Kelsie Wymer) to graduation. The trio accounted for more than 71 percent of the Potters’ scoring last season. “We lost three three-year starters that were the heart and soul of the program, but it gives opportunity for new players to stamp their identity on the program,” Dingey said. East Liverpool opened the season with losses to Inter-Tri County League teams Lisbon and United. “We have a very challenging schedule,” Dingey said. “We have the local rivalries with Beaver Local, Wellsville and Oak Glen along wtih a tough OVAC schedule. We also play some of the best programs in Northeast Ohio. I see no easy games.”
Mow Mow Thompson (graduated) first-team All-Area. Christian Kyle (graduated) secondteam All-Area. Seth Talbott (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: It may take a while for the Potters to find their identity. They lost their top six players from last season to graduation and and gone with them is 95.7 percent of the team’s scoring.
“I expect our kids to compete hard every game,” Conley said. “I expect our kids to continue to carry the torch of winning Potter basketball. Our kids will show up in better shape and more mentally prepared from our opponents.” The Potters always play their best at home, going 10-0 last season. “This Potter basketball team will play until the final whistle and only accept defeat when there are zero seconds on the clock,” Conley said.
EAST LIVERPOOL, Continued from Page 12
uphold the standard set for Potter basketball.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “The loss of the top six players who were seniors last year,” Conley said. “These young athletes are still trying to find what role they best fit as a Potter basketball player.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Marky Thompkins (graduated) 15.7, Mow Mow Thompson (graduated) 15.3; Christian Kyle (graduated) 13.7,
Brian Beverly (graduated) 12.9; Rebounds — Marky Thompkins (graduated) 6.4, Christian Kyle (graduated) 5.0; Assists — Marky Thompkins (graduated) 4.0; Field Goal Pct. — Mow Mow Thompson (graduated) 60 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Marky Thompkins (graduated) special mention Division II All-Ohio, Morning Journal All-Area Player of the Year and Columbiana County Player of the Year.
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Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 15
BEAVERS,
BEAVER LOCAL,
Continued from Page 4
Continued from Page 5
athletic ability,” Walgate said. “This group does a nice job of being active in passing lanes on defense and being in the right spot. We need to be able to make thing happen on offense by being aggressive on defense. Offensively, we move well and are a very unselfish group. We must continue to work the ball and take the best shots available.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Our size will hurt us against bigger teams,” Walgate said. “We have to be able to counter taller teams with our aggressive style and active for the ball mentality. We have a lot of new guys stepping up this year so experience could be a problem early in the season. We have to take what the guys have accomplished at the younger levels and put them into place at the varsity level.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Troy Hudson 15.5, Ryan Smith (graduated) 12.7; Rebounds — Kevin Sevey (graduated) 6.2, Troy Hudson 4.6; Assists — Nick Miller (graduated) 5.0; Steals — Cody Dawson (graduated) 1.9, Nick Miller (graduated) 1.9; Field Goal Pct. — Ryan Smith (graduated) 50 percent, Zack Mick 47 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Zack Mick 75 percent, Troy Hudson 70 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Troy Hudson, second-team All-Area. Nick Miller (graduated) honorable mention
All-Area. Ryan Smith (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Beavers made some improvement last season and hope to keep it going. They won seven of their last 19 games games winning only two of their previous 35 games. “We will be undersized in most games; we must be able to overcome that disadvantage,” Walgate said. “We will have to use fundamentals and hard work to our advantage.” They were 5-5 shen scoring at least 60 points last season, but 2-9 when held to under 60 points. This also will be Beaver Local’s last season in the All-American Conference. “Our league will be strong as usual,” Walgate said. “Any time you are facing teams from the AAC you must bring your best each night. Our nonconference schedule will be tough as well with rivals East Liverpool, Wellsville and Oak Glen all twice. “We also added three ITCL teams to the schedule with United, East Palestine and Southern Local. It will be fun to be on the opposite benches competing against the guy that gave me my first coaching opportunity and close friend, Coach Whittaker.”
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freshman center). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Youthfulness and energy,” Walker said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Beavers lost their top four scorers to graduation. “We are very young with very little varsity experience,” Walker said. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Allie Bangor (graduated) 13.1, Tenelle Hoppel (graduated) 10.7; Rebounds — Danna Talbott 5.9, Allie Bangor (graduated) 5.0; Assists — Tenelle Hooppel (graduated) 2.2; Steals — Tenelle Hoppel (graduated) 2.0 ; Field Goal Pct. — Allie Bangor (graduated) 42 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Allie Bangor (graduated) 61 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Allie Bangor (graduated) second-team All-Area. Tenelle Hoppel (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Kenzie Weber (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Beaver Local lost eight seniors and is trying to find someone to fill the holes. “It is always difficult to replace the leadership they brought to team,” Walker said. “To replace them, we need to play fundamental basketball and do the little things the right way. We must take pride in our defense and help each other out. We have to play unselfishly on offense so we will produce balanced scoring.” The Beavers are in their final season in the All-American Conference. “The league is brutal from top to bottom,” Walker said. “I feel it is one of the strongest leagues in the state.”
16 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
EAST PALESTINE BULLDOGS
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the East Palestine girls basketball team are (front, from left) Carlee Bigenwald, Hannah Hall, Haley Hall, Tori Ward; (second row, from left) Marissa Gorby, Kelsey McKim, Brooke Gedeon, Logan Gatchel, Katie Bell, Courtney Weber, Holly Siracuse; (back, from left) head coach Walt Herriott, Sa’Vitra Rose, Carson Rutledge, Abby Fuller, Braxton Feezle, Danielle Weber, Tiffany Ammon, statistician Paige Barr and coach Judi Gregory.
Bulldogs will have more depth SCHOOL: East Palestine Bulldogs. 2011-12 RECORD: 3-18, including an 0-14 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Buldogs were 14 in games decided by single-digit margins and lost nine of their last 10 games. They have lost 21 of their last 22 games on Thursdays. HEAD COACH: Walt Herriott is in his fourth season as head coach with a record of 14-49. He was the junior varsity coach at East Palestine for five
years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Judi Gregory (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, all starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Brooke Gedegon (three-year letterwinner), Logan Gatchel (5-4 senior guard-forward, two-year letterwinner), Katie Bell (5-8 senior forward two-year letterwinner), Courtney Weber (5-7 junior forward-center, junior, one-year
letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Marisa Gorby (5-5 junior guard-forward), Kelsey McKim (5-8 junior center), Abby Fuller (5-8 sophomore forward), JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Holly Siracuse (5-5 sophomore forward), Tiffany Ammon (5-3 sophomore guard-forward), Danielle Weber (5-6 sophomore center), Tori Ward (5-3 freshman guard-forward), Sa’Vitra
Rose (5-6 freshman center), Hannah Hall (5-2 freshman guard-forward), Haley Hall (5-2 freshman guard-forward), Braxton Feezle (5-7 freshman center), Carson Rutledge (5-5 freshman forward-center). TEAM STRENGTHS: The Bulldogs have four returning letterwinners and will feature more depth than in recent seasons. See BULLDOGS, Page 32
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 17
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the East Palestine boys basketball team are (front, from left) manager Justin Hays, Billy Bibby, Alec Dumbauld, Justin Fristik, Nate Keylor, Austen Reiser, Phil Fusetti, Steven Parker, Austin Reynolds, manager Jacob Thomas; (back, from left) Ty Adams, Keith Shupp, Jaret Spratt, Nick Monteleone, Luke Cope, Brandon Murray, Colin Reidy, Ryen Kemp, D.J. Bandy and Grant Wagner. See page 18 for the East Palestine preview.
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18 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
East Palestine has holes to fill
SCHOOL: East Palestine Bulldogs. 2011-12 RECORD: 12-10, including an 8-6 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. They won four of their last six games after a 2-3 start.The Bulldogs were 2-2 in games decided by two points or less. HEAD COACH: Tom Bingham is in his ninth straight season as head coach and 16th overall. He has a career record of 208-120 at East Palestine and 218-133 overall, which includes one season at Southern Local. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jim Meissner (junior varsity), William Bingham (varsity assistant), Jerry McGee (varsity assistant), Jim Young Jr. (freshmen), Jim Young (eighth grade), Will Ginder (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, including one starter.
RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Austen Reiser (6-3 senior wingpost, one-year letterwinner), Nate Keylor (5-10 senior point guard, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zack MayRobb (5-10 junior point guard), Billy Bibby (5-9 junior wing), Alec Dumbauld (5-11 junior wing), Steve Parker (6-3 junior post), Justin Fristik (5-10 junior wing), Phil Fusetti (6-3 junior post), Nick Menteleone (61 sophomore wing). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Keith Shupp (5-10 sophomore wing), Ryen Kemp (5-9 sophomore point guard), D.J. Bandy (5-10 sophomore wing), Luke Cope (5-10 sophomore wing-post), Colin Reidy (5-11 sophomore wing), Ty Adams (5-8 sophomore wing), Austin Reynolds (5-11 junior wing), Grant Wagner (6-0 fresh“GOOD LUCK BULLDOGS”
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man post), Jaret Spratt (6-1 freshman post), Brandon Murray (6-3 sophomore post). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have a willingness to work and learn,” Bingham said. “There are a number of players who can play more than one position.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Lack of varsity experience,” said Bingham, whose team returns only 23 percent of its scoring from last season. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Jake DiCello (graduated) 13.9, Austen Reiser 10.8, Tyler Foster (graduated) 6.8; Rebounds — Zak Brockman (graduated) 7.7; Assists — Jake DiCello (graduated) 6.5; Steals — Jake DiCello (graduated) 3.0; Field Goal Pct. — Zak Brockman (graduated) 63 percent; Free Throw Pct. —
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Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 19
HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN LIONS
Members of the Heartland Christian boys basketball team are (front, from left) Nathan Sommers, Matt Baker, Caleb House, Vince Trevino, Durand Winnale, Steven Lee; (back, from left) Glen Hoffman, Brandon Crawford, Jarred Robinson, head coach Andrew Boblick, Ben Taylor, Joel Sirota and Kyle Burgess.
Pieces are fitting for Heartland SCHOOL: Heartland Christian Lions. 2011-12 RECORD: 4-17. HEAD COACH: Andrew Bobalik enters his second season as head coach. He was a varsity assistant and junior varsity coach at Youngstown Chaney in 2011 and East Liverpool junior high coach from 2006-10. ASSISTANT COACHES: John Bobalik (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kyle Burgess (6-3 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Brandon Crawford (6-1 senior wing, two-year letterwinner), Jared Robinson (6-4 junior post, two-year letterwinner), Durand Winnale (6-0 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Glen Hoffman (6-1 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner),
“We should be able to rotate and go 8-9 deep. The team grew up last year and got varsity experience ...” ANDREW BOBALIK, HEARTLAND BOYS COACH
Joel Sirota (6-2 sophomore wing-post, one-year letterwinner), Matthew Baker (5-10 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Caleb House (6-1 junior wing), Nate Summers (5-9 freshman guard), Ben Taylor (6-5 freshman post), Vince Trevino (6-0 freshman wing), Stephen Lee (6-0 freshman guard).
TEAM STRENGTHS: “Team depth,” Bobalik said. “We should be able to rotate and go 8-9 deep. The team grew up last year and got varsity experience at all positions. They spent time in the weight room and this will help.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Lack of size,” Bobalik said. “A true post player is a missing piece.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Brandon Crawford 9.8, Jared Robinson 9.7, Glen Hoffman 8.2; Rebounds — Brandon Crawford 7.2; Assists — Kyle Burgess 4.8; Steals — Kyle Burgess 3.2; Field Goal Pct. — Jared Robinson 45 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Jared Robinson 70 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Brandon Crawford, honorable mention All-Area. Kyle Burgess, honorable mention
All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions return seven letterwinners. “Numbers are always problem at a small school,” Bobalik said. “We lost three incoming freshmen due to transfer and two players from last year did not return. “We lost one player to graduation (Grant Ramsey in the post). With Sirota and House moving in, they will have to give us some minutes at the varsity level.” The Lions will play seven games against ITCL teams. “Our schedule is predominantly an Inter-Tri County League schedule,” Bobalik said. “We play two games against Crestview and United and single games against Lordstown, Southern, Leetonia and Lisbon. Badger is new to the schedule.”
20 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
LEETONIA BEARS
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Leetonia boys basketball team are (front, from left) James Shea, Shayne Rhodes, manager Floyd Shields, Trent Ferry, Austin Rhodes; (back, from left) coach Jeff Hammond, Drew Turney, Brandon Dattilio, Ian Sevenich, head coach Eric Whitmer, Cody Valentine, Ian Stecker, Luke Janci and coach Andrew Whitmer.
Leetonia tries to turn it around
SCHOOL: Leetonia Bears. 2011-12 RECORD: 5-16, including a 2-12 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. After a 3-1 start, the Bears lost 11 of their last 12 games. They were 1-5 in games decided by four points or less. HEAD COACH: Eric Whitmer enters his first season as head coach. He was 113-43 in seven seasons as head coach at Columbiana over two stints
with consecutive Tri-County League and district titles in 1994 and 1995. He also served as head coach for the Lisbon boys and Jackson-Milton girls with a career head coaching record of 181123. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Hammond (varsity assistant), Andrew Whitmer (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including two starters.
RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Ian Sevenich (6-0 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Luke Janci (510 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Brandon Dattilio (5-6 senior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Trent Ferry (5-10 sophomore guard), Cody Valentine (6-2 senior forward), Ian Stecker (6-4 senior center), Zack Van Giesen (6-0 junior forward).
JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: TEAM STRENGTHS: “Balanced scoring and offensive skills,” Whitmer said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Depth, rebounding and depth,” Whitmer said. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Cody Stokes (graduated) 22.9, Nick Altomare (graduated) 13.7, Ian See LEETONIA, Page 22
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 21
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Leetonia girls basketball team are (front, from left) ball boys Parker and Trent Newburn; (second row, from left) Autumn Champney, Mara Newon, Maddie Penfold, Haley Scoville, Emily Schneider; (back, from left) head coach Kelly Paxson, Nicole Mann, Kinzie Smith, Bethany Basich, Delaney Gardner and coach Erin Newburn with Ethan Newburn.
See page 22 for the Leetonia girls preview
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22 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
Bears return five letterwinners
SCHOOL: Leetonia Bears≥ 2011-12 RECORD: 4-17, including a 3-11 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Bears lost their first nine games and started the season at 1-11. HEAD COACH: Kelly Paxson is in her seventh season as head coach with a record of 54-77. She also was junior varsity coach at Leetonia for one season. ASSISTANT COACHES: Erin Newburn (junior varsity), Mike Mancuso (eighth grade), Will Jones (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Bethany Basich (5-5 senior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner), Delaney Gardner (5-4 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Nicole Mann (5-9 senior center-forward, two-year
letterwinner), Kinzie Smith (5-3 senior point guard, two-year letterwinner), Haley Scoville (5-7 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Emily Schneider (5-6 junior forward), Autumn Champney (5-6 junior guardforward), Mara Newton (5-3 junior guard), Maddie Penfold (5-2 sophomore point guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Autumn Champney (5-6 junior guardforward), Mara Newton (5-3 junior point guard), Julia Chuey (5-2 sophomore guard-forward), Mckensy Gardner (5-4 freshman guard), Casey Grace (5-2 freshman guard), Trisha Ogle (5-2 freshman guard-forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have a strong senior class and return three starters from last season, so we are hoping that our experience and leadership will be a big advantage,” Paxson said.
“All of our players work extremely hard and will be asked to contribute this season.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We have struggled with consistency in the past,” Paxson said. “We need to make sure we take care of the ball and use patience offensively. We have to manage the clock and be wise with our shot selection.” Last season, the Bears averaged 49.0 points a game in their four wins and 30.6 points in their 17 losses. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Kinzie Smith 6.8, Nicole Mann 6.6; Rebounds — Haley Scovil 6.8, Nicole Mann 5.7; Assists — Kinzie Smith 1.5; Steals — Kinzie Smith 1.6; Field Goal Pct. — Nicole Mann 30.2 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Alexa Summers (graduated) 66.7 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Kinzie Smith, honorable mention All-
Area. Nicole Mann, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bears return their top three scorers and five letterwinners. “We have a very strong group of core players returning and we are looking forward to the upcoming season,” Paxson said. The ITCL lower tier expects to be more balanced this season. “The league lost a lot of talent due to graduation last year, so I think some teams will be rebuilding,” Paxson said. “Lowellville and Columbiana will be big challenges for us, and Western Reserve is always competitive. “We have a tough non-conference schedule which includes Crestview, Lisbon and United, so we are going to have to be prepared and ready to go at the start of the season.”
LEETONIA, Continued from Page 20
Sevenich 10.6; Rebounds — Cody Stokes (graduated) 9.0, Ian Stecker 3.4; Assists — Nick Altomare (graduated) 5.7, Cody Stokes (graduated) 2.4; Steals — Nick Altomare (graduated) 2.5; Blocks — Cody Stokes (graduated) 1.5; Free Throw Pct. — Ian Sevenich 77.4 percent, Nick Altomare (graduated) 74.5 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Cody Stokes (graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team AllArea. Ian Sevenich, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: Eric Whitmer returns to the area as a head coach and takes over a program that has lost 48 of its last 55 games. “We have some offensive talent,” Whitmer said. “We have a lot to learn in a short period of time with our five seniors. I believe we will play hard, be competitive and fun to watch.” Offense hasn’t been the problem for the Bears. They ranked last in the area in scoring defense the past two season, giving up 69.0 points a game last season. Leetonia will be facing some good offensive teams again in the ITCL lower tier.
Leetonia’s Ian Sevenich drives past Wellsville defenders (from left) Nate Scott, Jordan Sloan and Seth Bradford last season. Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Good l ck u to all area teams!
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 23
LISBON BLUE DEVILS
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Lisbon boys basketball team are (front, from left) J.J. Crow, Mike Evans, Nathan Borg, Jared White, Corey Brammer, Avery Andric, Josh Liberati, Austin Davis, Justin Zarnosky; (back, from left) coach Ryan Snyder, Eric Walker, Jordan Rutecki, Austin Rutecki, Josh Craig, head coach Chris Huckshold, Matt Spencer, Trevor Reese, Jared Merriman, coach Jeff Padurean and coach Doug Andric.
Blue Devils’ youth movement SCHOOL: Lisbon Blue Devils. 2011-12 RECORD: 11-10, including an 8-6 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. It was the Blue Devil’s first winning season in seven years. HEAD COACH: Chris Huckshold enters his fourth season as head coach with a record of 25-40. He previously coached seven years at Lisbon, including three as junior varsity boys coach, two years as freshman boys coach and two years as girls varsity assistant. ASSISTANT COACHES: Ryan Snyder (junior varsity), Doug Andric (varsity assistant), Jeff Padurean (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: One, a starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAY-
ERS: Matt Spencer (6-3 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Corey Brammer (6-1 senior guard), Eric Walker (6-0 junior guard), Avery Andric (6-0 freshman guard), Austin Rutecki (6-2 freshman guard), Josh Craig (6-3 freshman guard), Josh Liberati (5-9 freshman guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Nathan Borg (junior), Jordan Rutecki (junior), Johnathan Crow (sophomore), Mike Evans (sophomore), Jared Merriman (sophomore), Justin Zarnosky (freshman), Trevor Reese (freshman), Josh Craig (freshman), Jared White (freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Attitude, team basketball, unselfishness,” Huckshold said.
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Varsity experience with four freshmen in the top seven,” Huckshold said. “Consistency for four quarters and depth.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Zack Rovnak (graduated) 14.0, Zac Barnes (graduated) 11.3; Assists — Zack Rovnak (graduated) 5.5; Free Throw Pct. — Zack Rovnak (graduated) 75 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Zack Rovnak (graduated) second-team All-Area. Zac Barnes (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Coming off Lisbon’s first winning season in seven years with a senior-laden team, the Blue Devils are going to have some growing
pains. The Blue Devils — who return only 8 percent of their scoring from last season — have one senior and four freshmen in the top seven players. One key to look at is a balanced offensive attack. The Blue Devils were 7-2 when scoring more than 50 points last season. “The league will be tough,” Huckshold said. “Crestview looks to be the frontrunner returning a lot of key players. Springfield and Mineral Ridge will play hard and cause team problems as well. “The league as a whole seems very balanced and every league night should be an exciting one.”
24 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Members of the Lisbon girls basketball team are (front, from left) Tiffany Ketchum, Hannah Hiscox, Hannah Prasco, Jenna Dickson, Katy Crismon, Pam Pierce, Emily Steves, Sarah Boyd, Reagan Duck, Landri Moore; (back, from left) coach Dave Crismon, Danyail Hayko, Sam Rhodes, Kayla Dickson, Paige Bennett, Alyssa Gresh, Taylor Siefke, Hanna Bagley, Tara McDole, Natalie Esterly, coach Rick Prasco and head coach Jason Thompson.
Lisbon girls rely on their defense
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SCHOOL: Lisbon Blue Devils. 2011-12 RECORD: 13-9, including an 8-6 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Blue Devils were 3-0 in games decided by three points or less. They were 8-1 in Monday games. HEAD COACH: Jason Thompson enters his third season as head coach with a record of 23-21. He was Crestview junior varsity boys coach one year, Lisbon boys varsity assistant one year, Lisbon boys varsity assistant one year and United freshmen boys coach two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark Pezzano (junior varsity), Dave Crismon (varsity assistant), Rick Prasko (varsity assistant), Megan Reynolds (eighth grade), Allison Bell (seventh grade).
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RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Three, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Pam Pierce (5-8 senior guard-forward, three-year letterwinner), Katy Crismon (5-4 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Tiffany Ketchum (5-3 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Paige Bennett (5-10 sophomore forward), Sarah Boyd (5-5 junior guard), Jenna Dickson (5-8 junior forward), Landri Moore (5-3 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Danyail Hayko (5-8 sophomore forward), Taylor Siefke (5-9 frehman forward), Hannah Hiscox (5-5 freshman guard), Hannah Bagley (5-8 freshman forward), Tara McDole (5-7 freshman guard-forward), Sam Rhodes (5-7 freshman forward), Hannah Prasco (56 freshman guard), Alyssa Gresh (5-10 sophomore forward), Natalie Esterly See LISBON, Page 26
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 25
2011-12 BASKETBALL ROUNDUP Area boys standings INTER-TRI COUNTY LEAGUE Upper Tier Team League Overall Springfield ...............................13-1 21-3 South Range............................12-2 17-5 Crestview...................................9-5 15-7 Lisbon........................................8-6 11-10 East Palestine............................8-6 12-10 Mineral Ridge ..........................4-10 8-14 Columbiana .............................1-13 2-19 United ......................................1-13 1-20 Lower Tier Jackson-Milton.........................10-4 13-9 McDonald ................................10-4 13-9 Wellsville....................................8-6 13-10 Western Reserve.......................7-7 11-10 Lowellville ..................................7-7 10-12 Sebring ......................................7-7 14-9 Southern Local ..........................5-9 11-11 Leetonia...................................2-12 5-16 AREA TEAMS East Liverpool................................. 19-4 West Branch .................................. 10-11 Minerva........................................... 10-12 Salem.............................................. 9-13 Beaver Local................................... 7-14
Boys team leaders SCORING OFFENSE Team ..............................................................Avg. 1. South Range...............................................67.6 2. East Liverpool .............................................66.1 3. Wellsville .....................................................62.3 4. Leetonia ......................................................61.0 5. Beaver Local ...............................................59.7 6. Springfield..................................................59.1. 7. Salem..........................................................58.0 8. Crestview ....................................................55.8 9. East Palestine .............................................54.4 10. Minerva .......................................................54.2 11. Lisbon .........................................................51.2 12. Southern Local............................................49.8 13. Sebring .......................................................49.0 14. West Branch................................................44.7 15. Columbiana.................................................35.3 16. United..........................................................34.4 ——— SCORING DEFENSE Team ..............................................................Avg. 1. Springfield...................................................43.2 2. Sebring .......................................................44.8 3. Southern Local............................................44.9 4. West Branch................................................45.3 5. Crestview ....................................................47.5 6. East Palestine .............................................49.1 7. South Range...............................................49.5 8. Lisbon .........................................................52.5 9. Salem..........................................................57.6 10. United..........................................................57.7 10. Minerva .......................................................57.7 12. Wellsville .....................................................57.8 13. East Liverpool .............................................58.1 14. Columbiana.................................................63.0 15. Beaver Local ..............................................64.9 16. Leetonia ......................................................69.0 ——— SCORING MARGIN Team ..............................................................Avg. 1. South Range.............................................+18.1 2. Springfield.................................................+15.9 3. Crestview ....................................................+8.3 4. East Liverpool .............................................+8.0
5. East Palestine .............................................+5.3 6. Southern Local............................................+4.9 7. Wellsville .....................................................+4.5 8. Sebring .......................................................+4.2 9. Salem..........................................................+0.4 10. West Branch ................................................-0.6 11. Lisbon ..........................................................-1.3 12. Minerva........................................................-3.5 13. Beaver Local................................................-5.2 14. Leetonia.......................................................-8.0 15. United ........................................................-23.3 16. Columbiana................................................-27.7
Boys district tournaments DISTRICTS Monday, March 5 Boardman Div. II: Struthers 72, Ravenna 60. ——— Tuesday, March 6 Salem Div. III: Springfield 56, South Range 52; Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas 65, Crestview 42. Struthers Div. IV: Mogadore 58, Southern Local 46; Wellsville 50, Sebring 47. ——— Wednesday, March 7 Boardman Div. II: Poland 53, Ravenna Southeast 40. ——— Thursday, March 8 St. Clairsville Div. II: St. Clairsville 70, East Liverpool 53. (St. Clairsville advances to Athens regional). ——— Friday, March 9 Salem Div. III: Springfield 51, Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas 47. (Springfield advances to Canton Fieldhouse regional). Struthers Div. IV: Mogadore 63, Wellsville 50. (Mogadore advances to Canton Fieldhouse regional). ——— Saturday, March 10 Boardman Div. II: Struthers 57, Poland 49. (Struthers advances to Canton Civic Center regional).
Ohio Mr. Basketball 2012 — Justin Fritts, Mentor 2011 — Trey Burke, Columbus Northland 2010 — Jared Sullinger, Columbus Northland 2009 — Jared Sullinger, Columbus Northland 2008 — William Buford, Toledo Libbey 2007 — Jon Diebler, Upper Sandusky 2006 — O.J. Mayo, Cincinnati North College Hill 2005 — O.J. Mayo, Cincinnati North College Hill 2003 — LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 2002 — LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 2001 — LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 2000 —Tony Stockman, Medina, and Chester Mason, Cleveland South 1999 — Emmanuel Smith, Euclid 1998 — William “Sonny” Johnson, Garfield Hts. 1997 — Kenny Gregory, Columbus Independence 1996 — Jason Collier, Springfield Cath. Cent. 1995 — Damon Stringer, Cleveland Hts. 1994 — Aaron Hutchins, Lima Central Catholic, 1993 — Geno Ford, Cambridge
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INTER-TRI COUNTY LEAGUE Upper Tier Team ..................................League Overall United ......................................14-0 21-4 South Range............................10-4 14-9 Crestview...................................9-5 16-7 Springfield .................................9-5 11-10 Lisbon........................................8-6 13-9 Columbiana .............................4-10 6-15 Mineral Ridge ..........................2-12 3-18 East Palestine..........................0-14 3-18 Lower Tier Lowellville ................................14-0 22-3 Western Reserve.....................12-2 20-4 Jackson-Milton...........................9-5 13-9 McDonald ..................................8-6 11-10 Wellsville....................................7-7 11-11 Leetonia...................................3-11 4-17 Southern Local ........................2-12 6-15 Sebring ....................................1-13 3-18 AREA TEAMS West Branch ................................... 21-3 East Liverpool................................. 13-7 Minerva........................................... 8-14 Beaver Local................................... 6-15 Salem.............................................. 4-17
7. South Range ..............................................43.7 8. Southern Local...........................................45.5 9. East Liverpool ............................................46.4 10. Leetonia .....................................................47.9 11, Salem.........................................................48.2 12. East Palestine ............................................51.4 13. Minerva ......................................................51.7 14. Sebring.......................................................52.9 15. Wellsville ....................................................54.5 16. Beaver Local ..............................................55.0 ——— SCORING MARGIN Team .............................................................Avg. 1. West Branch.............................................+18.3 2. United.......................................................+11.8 3. Crestview ...................................................+8.8 4. East Liverpool ............................................+3.4 4. South Range ..............................................+3.4 6. Springfield..................................................+2.8 7. Lisbon ........................................................+0.4 8. Southern Local............................................-3.8 9. Wellsville .....................................................-4.2 10. Columbiana.................................................-4.2 11. Minerva .......................................................-6.3 12. Salem........................................................-11.6 13. Beaver Local .............................................-13.2 14. Leetonia ....................................................-13.8 15. East Palestine ...........................................-14.4 16. Sebring .....................................................-16.1
Girls team leaders
Girls district tournaments
SCORING OFFENSE Team .............................................................Avg. 1. West Branch...............................................53.8 2. Crestview ...................................................51.0 3. Wellsville ....................................................50.3 4. East Liverpool ............................................49.8 5. United.........................................................47.5 6. South Range ..............................................47.1 7. Minerva ......................................................45.4 8. Beaver Local ..............................................41.8 9. Southern Local...........................................41.7 10. Springfield ..................................................40.6 11. Lisbon ........................................................39.8 12. Columbiana................................................39.0 13. East Palestine ............................................37.0 14. Sebring.......................................................36.8 15. Salem.........................................................36.6 16. Leetonia .....................................................34.1 ——— SCORING DEFENSE Team .............................................................Avg. 1. West Branch...............................................35.5 2. United.........................................................35.7 3. Springfield ..................................................37.8 4. Lisbon ........................................................39.4 5. Crestview ...................................................42.2 6. Columbiana................................................43.2
DISTRICTS Tuesday, February 28 Zanesville Div. II: Millersburg West Holmes 71, Carrollton 25; Dresden Tri-Valley 53, Dover 37. ——— Wednesday, February 29 South Range Div. IV: Lowellville 55, Lisbon 19; Western Reserve 50, Crestview 49. ——— Thursday, March 1 Austintown Div. II: West Branch 44, Poland 36; Canfield 64, Ravenna 53. Mineral Ridge Div. III: Youngstown Ursuline 53, South Range 26; United 47, Pymatuning Valley 36. ——— Friday, March 2 Zanesville Div. II: Millersburg West Holmes 64, Dresden Tri-Valley 35. (Millersburg West Holmes advances to Zanesville regional). ——— Saturday, March 3 Austintown Div. II: Canfield 42, West Branch 40. (Canfield advances to Barberton regional). Mineral Ridge Div. III: United 50, Youngstown Ursuline 46. (United advances to Cuyahoga Falls regional). South Range Div. IV: Lowellville 38, Western Reserve 29. (Lowellville advances to Massillon Perry regional).
Area girls standings
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26 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
LISBON, Continued from Page 24
(5-5 sophomore guard), Kayla Dickson (5-8 freshman forward), Paulina Stoellger (6-3 junior forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our team is very fast and hard working,” Thompson said. “We were in the top five in team defense last year and expect to be there again.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We will be very young this year with only three returning varsity players and only two seniors,” Thompson said. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Pam Pierce 14.3, Lindsey Hayko (graduated) 6.2; Rebounds — Pam Pierce 7.8; Steals — Pam Pierce 3.0; Field Goal Pct. — Lindsey Hayko (graduated) 41 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Pam Pierce 67 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Pam Pierce, first-team All-Area. Lindsey Hayko (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Lisbon will find out where it stands early on, playing Columbiana and United in the opening four games. “We are replacing our five graduating seniors from a year ago with some
“Our team is very fast and hard working. We were in the top five in team defense last year and expect to be there again.” JASON THOMPSON, LISBON GIRLS COACH
players new to varsity,” Thompson said. “Our success will be determined based on how quickly those new ones mature and compete at a varsity level.” Pam Pierce returns after leading the team in scoring the past two seasons and the Blue Devils limited opponents to an average of 39.4 points a game last season. That should make them competitive in the ITCL upper tier again. “United returned a lot of players from last season, so they are favored,” Thompson said. “Outside of them, the league is pretty even. Jackson-Milton is new and will be a new matchup to pre-
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Monring Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Lisbon’s Pam Pierce (left) blocks a shot by Wellsville’s Kallee Powell in South Range Division III sectional play last season.
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Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 27
HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN LIONS
Lions ready to step up SCHOOL: Heartland Christian Lions. 2011-12 RECORD: 3-18. HEAD COACH: Joshua Osborn is in his second second as head coach. He played two years at Valley Forge Christian College. ASSISTANT COACHES: Megan Osborn (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Rosealin Morris (5-3 senior point guard, three-year letterwinner), Kristen Hilliard (6-0 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Madison Pennington (5-6 junior forward, two-year letterwinner), Phoebe Nabors (5-3 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner), Ginny Burgess (5-6 sophomore guard-forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Rachel Leach (5-0 freshman guard), Leah Morelli (5-3 freshman guard), Jacquelyn Champman (5-7 freshman forward), Avery Pennington (5-7 freshman forward), Olivia Hostetler (5-2 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “A young team that is very motivated, coachable and athletic,” Osborn said. “There are two seniors to help lead the team.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Inexperienced,” Osborn said. “While a young team can be a strength, inexperience is the weakness that accompanies coachability and athleticism.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Ashley Weikart (graduated) 9.0; Rebounds — Ashley Weikart (graduated) 6.4; Steals — Alisha Swartz 2.1. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Ashley Weikart (graduated) honorable
Special to the Journal
Members of the Heartland Christian girls basketball team are (front, from left) Phebe Nabors, Avery Pennington, Leah Morelli, Jacqueline Chapman, Olivia Hostetler, Rosilyn Morris; (back, from left) coach Megan Osborn, Shelby Esenwein, Kristen Hillard, Madison Pennington, Ginny Burgess and head coach Josh Osborn.
mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions feature two seniors, two juniors and one sophomore. “Bigger team this year with five new freshmen coming in with more experience than last year’s team,” Osborn said. “It will be tough to replace Ashley Weikart (who graduated) and last year’s two starting freshmen, Kristen Osborn and Alisha Schwartz. “But last year’s juniors are stepping into their new roles as senior leaders well and the overall team chemistry give me a positive outlook for this season. There are a couple of new opponents on this year’s schedule that will present new challenges, but the team is motiveated to learn and is coming together well this preseason.”
“... last year’s juniors are stepping into their new roles as senior leaders well ...” JOSH OSBORN, HEARTLAND GIRLS COACH
Good Luck To All Area Teams!
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28 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
2012-13 AREA BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULES Beaver Local Nov. 30 ..........................................Champion Dec. 1 ..................................................United Dec. 4..............................................Wellsville Dec. 7..........................................at Lakeview Dec. 11 ...............................at East Liverpool Dec. 14 ........................................at Howland Dec. 21 ..................................................Niles Dec. 22 .......................................at Oak Glen Dec. 28............................................Struthers Jan. 2.....................................Southern Local Jan. 4 ..............................................at Poland Jan. 8..............................................Oak Glen Jan. 11 .........................................at Hubbard Jan. 18..............................................Canfield Jan. 19 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 23 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 25 ...............................................at Niles Feb. 1 ..........................................at Struthers Feb. 5 ......................................East Liverpool Feb. 8 .............................................. Hubbard Feb. 12 .......................................at Crestview Feb. 15.................................Austintown Fitch
Columbiana Nov. 30......................................South Range Dec. 4.............................................Crestview Dec. 7 ..............................at Western Reseve Dec. 11..........................................at Sebring Dec. 14............................................Wellsville Dec. 18 ..........................................Lowellville Dec. 21 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 22 ............................................at Bristol Jan. 4 .........................................at Crestview Jan. 8.............................................McDonald Jan. 11 .........................................at Leetonia Jan. 15 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 18...............................................Sebring Jan. 22 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 25 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 29.......................................at Lowellville Feb. 1 ................................at Southern Local Feb. 5.........................................at McDonald Feb. 8 .............................................. Leetonia Feb. 15....................................East Palestine Feb. 19...............................at Jackson-Milton Feb. 22 ................................................Lisbon
Crestview Nov. 30...........................at Western Reserve Dec. 4 .....................................at Columbiana Dec. 7 ..................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 11 ..............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 14 ...................................East Palestine Dec. 18 ............................................at United Dec. 21 .........................................Springfield Dec. 28...........................................Heartland Jan. 4..........................................Columbiana Jan. 5 ...........................................at Leetonia Jan. 8 ........................................South Range Jan. 11.................................................Lisbon Jan. 15.....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 18 ...................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 22...........................................Lowellville Jan. 25 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 29.................................................United Feb. 1........................................at Springfield Feb. 5....................................at South Range Feb. 8 ..............................................at Lisbon Feb. 12 ......................................Beaver Local Feb. 19 .......................................at Heartland
East Liverpool Nov. 30........................................at Wellsville Dec. 1 ............................................Zanesville
Dec. 4.........................................at Carrollton Dec. 7................................at West Allegheny Dec. 8................................at West Allegheny Dec. 11......................................Beaver Local Dec. 14 .......................................at Oak Glen Dec. 15...................................at Steubenville Dec. 18 ................................................Salem Dec. 27 .......................Potter Holiday Classic Dec. 28 .......................Potter Holiday Classic Jan. 4 ........................at Youngstown Mooney Jan. 5 ..............................................Wellsville Jan. 11........................................Steubenville Jan. 15.......................................West Branch Jan. 22 ............................................Claymont Jan. 25............................................Oak Glen Jan. 29 ..........................................at Minerva Feb. 2 .....................................at Lincoln Park Feb. 5....................................at Beaver Local Feb. 12 .................................................OVAC Feb. 15 .................................................OVAC
East Palestine Nov. 30 ........................Youngstown Christian Dec. 1...........................................at Leetonia Dec. 7 .......................................at Springfield Dec. 11 ................................................United Dec. 14.......................................at Crestview Dec. 18...................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 21................................................Lisbon Dec. 26 .......................................Warren JFK Jan. 8...................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 11..................................at South Range Jan. 15 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 18.............................................at United Jan. 19 ......................................Beaver Local Jan. 22........................................Columbiana Jan. 25 ...........................................Crestview Jan. 29 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Feb. 1 ..............................................at Lisbon Feb. 5.......................................Mineral Ridge Feb. 8........................................South Range Feb. 9 ...............................................Leetonia Feb. 15....................................at Columbiana Feb. 19 ......................................at Lowellville
Leetonia Dec. 1 .....................................East Palestine Dec. 4..............................................at Lisbon Dec. 7 ............................................Lowellville Dec. 11...........................at Western Reserve Dec. 14 ..................................Southern Local Dec. 18........................................at Wellsville Dec. 21 ......................................at McDonald Dec. 27 ................................................United Jan. 4...........................Youngstown Christian Jan. 5 .............................................Crestview Jan. 8.................................................Sebring Jan. 11........................................Columbiana Jan. 15 ......................................at Lowellville Jan. 18 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 22 .......................................at Heartland Jan. 25...............................at Southern Local Jan. 29 ............................................Wellsville Feb. 1.............................................McDonald Feb. 5 ............................................at Sebring Feb. 8......................................at Columbiana Feb. 9..................................at East Palestine Feb. 12......................................South Range
Lisbon Nov. 30 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 4...............................................Leetonia Dec. 7 ..................................................United Dec. 11 ....................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 14...................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 18 .................................at South Range
Dec. 21 ...............................at East Palestine Dec. 28 ....................at Youngstown Christian Jan. 5...................................Canton Heritage Jan. 8 ............................................Springfield Jan. 11 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 15.............................................at United Jan. 18.................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 25 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 29 ......................................South Range Feb. 1......................................East Palestine Feb. 5........................................at Springfield Feb. 8 .............................................Crestview Feb. 12..........................................Rootstown Feb. 15 ...........................................Heartland Feb. 19 ..........................................at Sebring Feb. 22....................................at Columbiana
Minerva Nov. 30.....................at Louisville St. Thomas Dec. 7................................................Alliance Dec. 11............................................at Tuslaw Dec. 14 ................................at Canton South Dec. 21 ................................................Salem Dec. 22..........................................at Malvern Dec. 27 ...............................at Buckeye Local Dec. 28........................................at Louisville Jan. 4.....................................at West Branch Jan. 8 ............................................Marlington Jan. 11............................................Carrollton Jan. 5..........................................Steubenville Jan. 22 .....................................Canton South Jan. 25.............................................at Salem Jan. 29 ....................................East Liverpool Feb. 1 ..............................................Louisville Feb. 5 ........................................West Branch Feb. 8..........................................at Marligton Feb. 9 ...........................................at Alliance Feb. 12 .......................................East Canton Feb. 15 .......................................at Carrollton Feb. 16 ................................................United
Salem Dec. 4 ...................................at South Range Dec. 7....................................at West Branch Dec. 11........................................at Struthers Dec. 14..........................................Marlington Dec. 18 ...............................at East Liverpool Dec. 21..........................................at Minerva Dec. 28...........................................Carrollton Jan. 4 .......................................Canton South Jan. 5................................................Canfield Jan. 8 ............................................at Alliance Jan. 11 ............................................Louisville Jan. 15 ................................................Liberty Jan. 18.......................................West Branch Jan. 19...................vs. Louisvillle St. Thomas Jan. 22 ......................................at Marlington Jan. 25 ..............................................Minerva Feb. 1 .........................................at Carrollton Feb. 5...................................at Canton South Feb. 8 ................................................Alliance Feb. 12............................................Campbell Feb. 15 ........................................at Louisville Feb. 19 ............................................at United
Sebring Nov. 30 ................................Canton Heritage Dec. 4............................................Lordstown Dec. 7..............................................Wellsville Dec. 11 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 14 ......................................at Lowellville Dec. 18 ..........................................McDonald Dec. 21...............................Western Reserve Jan. 4 .....................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 8 ...........................................at Leetonia Jan. 11...............................at Southern Local
Jan. 15 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 18....................................at Columbiana Jan. 25...........................................Lowellville Jan. 29.......................................at McDonald Feb. 1 .............................at Western Reserve Feb. 5 ...............................................Leetonia Feb. 8.....................................Southern Local Feb. 9 .............................................at LaBrae Feb. 12 .......................................at Heartland Feb. 15 ...................................at Lake Center Feb. 19 ................................................Lisbon Feb. 22....................................at Southington
Southern Local Nov. 30 ................................................Lisbon Dec. 1 .............................................at Edison Dec. 7 ........................................at McDonald Dec. 11........................................at Wellsville Dec. 14.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 18...............................Western Reserve Dec. 21 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 28...........................................at Toronto Jan. 3 ....................................at Beaver Local Jan. 5 ..................................................Edison Jan. 8.........................................at Lowellville Jan. 11...............................................Sebring Jan. 15...........................................McDonald Jan. 18 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 22 ...............................................Toronto Jan. 25 .............................................Leetonia Jan. 29 ...........................at Western Reserve Feb. 1......................................at Columbiana Feb. 5.............................................Lowellville Feb. 8 ............................................at Sebring Feb. 12 ............................................at United Feb. 21 ...........................................Heartland
South Range Nov. 30 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 4 ..................................................Salem Dec. 7 ................................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 11 .....................................at Springfield Dec. 14 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 18................................................Lisbon Dec. 21 ................................................United Dec. 28 ..........................................Brookfield Jan. 4 .............................at Western Reserve Jan. 8 .........................................at Crestview Jan. 11 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 15 ...................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 18 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 22...........................................McDonald Jan. 25.....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 29 ............................................at Lisbon Feb. 1 ..............................................at United Feb. 5 .............................................Crestview Feb. 8..................................at East Palestine Feb. 12 .........................................at Leetonia Feb. 19 ........................................at Mathews Feb. 22 ......................................West Branch
Springfield Local Dec. 4 ........................................at Lowellville Dec. 7 .....................................East Palestine Dec. 11 .....................................South Range Dec. 14............................................at United Dec. 18 ....................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 21.......................................at Crestview Dec. 29 ...............................................Poland Jan. 5 ...............................................at Girard Jan. 8 ..............................................at Lisbon Jan. 11 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 15 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 18..................................at South Range Jan. 21........vs. Deer Lakes at Covelli Centre Jan. 25.................................................United
Jan. 29.................................at Mineral Ridge Feb, 1 .............................................Crestview Feb. 5 ..................................................Lisbon Feb. 8 .....................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 12 ........................Youngstown Christian Feb. 16...........................................Brookfield
United Nov. 30 ..................................at West Branch Dec. 1 ...................................at Beaver Local Dec. 7..............................................at Lisbon Dec. 11 ...............................at East Palestine Dec. 14 .........................................Springfield Dec. 18...........................................Crestview Dec. 21 .................................at South Range Dec. 28.........................................at Leetonia Jan. 4 .............................................Heartland Jan. 8 .....................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 11.................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 15.................................................Lisbon Jan. 18 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 25 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 29 .......................................at Crestview Feb. 1........................................South Range Feb. 5.................................at Jackson-Milton Feb. 8.......................................Mineral Ridge Feb. 9 .........................................at Heartland Feb. 12...................................Southern Local Feb. 16 ..........................................at Minerva Feb. 19.................................................Salem
Wellsville Nov. 30....................................East Liverpool Dec. 4 ...................................at Beaver Local Dec. 7............................................at Sebring Dec. 11 ..................................Southern Local Dec. 14 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 18.............................................Leetonia Dec. 21 ..........................................Lowellville Dec. 28 .......................................at Oak Glen Jan. 4 .................................................Toronto Jan. 5 ..................................at East Liverpool Jan. 8 .............................at Western Reserve Jan. 11.......................................at McDonald Jan. 15...............................................Sebring Jan. 18...............................at Southern Local Jan. 23 ......................................Beaver Local Jan. 25........................................Columbiana Jan. 29 .........................................at Leetonia Feb. 1 ........................................at Lowellville Feb. 4 .................................Western Reserve Feb. 8.............................................McDonald Feb. 22............................................Oak Glen Feb. 23 ...........................................at Toronto
West Branch Dec. 3..............................................at United Dec. 6.............................Ravenna Southeast Dec. 9 ..............................................at Salem Dec. 16...........................................Carrollton Dec. 23..........................................at Alliance Dec. 30 ....................................Canton South Jan. 6 ............................................at Minerva Jan. 10 ............................................Louisville Jan. 13 ..........................................Marlington Jan. 17 ....................................East Liverpool Jan. 20.................................................Salem Jan. 24 .......................................at Carrollton Jan. 27...............................................Alliance Feb. 3...................................at Canton South Feb. 7 ................................................Minerva Feb. 10 ........................................at Louisville Feb. 14.....................at Louisville St. Thomas Feb. 17......................................at Marlington Feb. 21............................................at Poland Feb. 24......................................South Range
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 29
2012-13 AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULES Beaver Local Nov. 26 .......................................at Crestview Nov. 29 ......................................at Champion Dec. 3..............................................Wellsville Dec. 6..............................................Lakeview Dec. 10 ...............................at East Liverpool Dec. 13.............................................Howland Dec. 17 ..............................................at Niles Dec. 20........................................at Struthers Dec. 27 ...............................................Poland Dec. 29 .......................................at Oak Glen Jan. 3 ...............................................Hubbard Jan. 5...................................................United Jan. 7..............................................Oak Glen Jan. 10..........................................at Canfield Jan. 14.............................................at Salem Jan. 17 ...................................................Niles Jan. 22 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 24 ............................................Struthers Jan. 31 ........................................at Hubbard Feb. 5 ......................................East Liverpool Feb. 7 ..............................at Austintown Fitch Feb. 11................................at East Palestine
Columbiana Nov. 23......................................South Range Nov. 29 ............................................at Lisbon Dec. 3.............................................Crestview Dec. 6.............................at Western Reserve Dec. 10..........................................at Sebring Dec. 13............................................Wellsville Dec. 17 ..........................................Lowellville Dec. 20 ..............................at Southern Local Dec. 27.......................................at Crestview Jan. 3 ..................................at East Palestine Jan. 7.............................................McDonald Jan. 10 .........................................at Leetonia Jan. 14 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 17...............................................Sebring Jan. 24 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 28.......................................at Lowellville Jan. 31...................................Southern Local Feb. 4.........................................at McDonald Feb. 8 ...............................................Leetonia Feb. 11..................................at South Range Feb. 14....................................East Palestine
Crestview Nov. 24...............................................Salem Nov. 26 ....................................Beaver Local Nov. 29 .......................................at Leetonia Dec. 1 ........................Youngstown Christian Dec. 3 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 6 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 10.............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 13..................................East Palestine Dec. 17 ..........................................at United Dec. 20....................................at Springfield Dec. 27 .....................................Columbiana Dec. 28.........................................Heartland Jan. 5...................................at Newton Falls Jan. 7 ......................................South Range Jan. 10...............................................Lisbon Jan. 14 ...................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 17 .................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 24 ..............................at East Palestine Jan. 28...............................................United Jan. 31 ........................................Springfield Feb. 4..................................at South Range Feb. 7 ............................................at Lisbon
East Liverpool Nov. 23 ................................................Lisbon Nov. 26 ................................................United
Nov. 29........................................at Wellsville Dec. 5..........................Youngstown Christian Dec. 10......................................Beaver Local Dec. 12..............................................Minerva Dec. 19 ...................................................Weir Dec. 22......................at Youngstown Mooney Jan. 2..............................................Oak Glen Jan. 3..................................................at Weir Jan. 7 ..............................................at Poland Jan. 9..................................at Buckeye Local Jan. 12 ............................................at Edison Jan. 14........................................at Oak Glen Jan. 16.......................................West Branch Jan. 19 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 24......................at Youngstown Ursuline Jan. 28.............................................at Salem Jan. 30....................................Buckeye Local Feb. 5....................................at Beaver Local Feb. 7 ...................................................OVAC Feb. 9 ...................................................OVAC
East Palestine Nov. 23 .............................................Leetonia Dec. 3.............................................Heartland Dec. 6 .......................................at Springfield Dec. 10 ................................................United Dec. 13.......................................at Crestview Dec. 17...................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 20................................................Lisbon Dec. 27 ..................................Southern Local Jan. 3..........................................Columbiana Jan. 7...................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 10..................................at South Range Jan. 14 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 17.............................................at United Jan. 23...............................at Southern Local Jan. 24 ...........................................Crestview Jan. 28 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 31 ............................................at Lisbon Feb. 4.......................................Mineral Ridge Feb. 7........................................South Range Feb. 11 ......................................Beaver Local Feb. 14....................................at Columbiana
Leetonia Nov. 23................................at East Palestine Nov. 26 ......................................at Lordstown Nov. 29 ...........................................Crestview Dec. 3..............................................at Lisbon Dec. 6 ............................................Lowellville Dec. 10...........................at Western Reserve Dec. 13 ..................................Southern Local Dec. 17........................................at Wellsville Dec. 20 .....................................at McDonald Dec. 27..............................................Malvern Dec. 29............................................at United Jan. 3..........................Youngstown Chrisitian Jan. 7.................................................Sebring Jan. 10........................................Columbiana Jan. 14.......................................at Lowellville Jan. 17 ...............................Western Reserve Jan. 24...............................at Southern Local Jan. 28 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 31...........................................McDonald Feb. 4 ............................................at Sebring Feb. 8......................................at Columbiana
Lisbon Nov. 23................................at East Liverpool Nov. 29........................................Columbiana Dec. 3...............................................Leetonia Dec. 6 ..................................................United Dec. 10 ....................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 13...................................Jackson-Milton Dec. 17 .................................at South Range Dec. 20 ...............................at East Palestine
Dec. 27.......................................at Heartland Jan. 3.................................at Southern Local Jan. 5...............................at Canton Heritage Jan. 7 ............................................Springfield Jan. 10 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 14.............................................at United Jan. 17.................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 21.......................................Sandy Valley Jan. 24 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 28 ......................................South Rnage Jan. 31 ....................................East Palestine Feb. 4........................................at Springfield Feb. 7 .............................................Crestview Feb. 11 ..............................................Sebring
Minerva Nov. 24 ..............................................Fairless Nov. 27................................................Edison Dec. 1..............................................Louisville Dec. 5 .......................................at Marlington Dec. 12 ...............................at East Liverpool Dec. 15..............................................Alliance Dec. 22 ................................at Canton South Dec. 27................................................Tuslaw Dec. 29 ................................................Salem Jan. 2 ............................at Tuscarawas Valley Jan. 5.....................................at West Branch Jan. 9..............................................Carrollton Jan. 12 ........................................at Louisville Jan. 14 ...................................at East Canton Jan. 16 ...........................at New Philadelphia Jan. 19 ..........................................Marlington Jan. 23 ..........................................at Alliance Jan.26......................................Canton South Jan. 30.............................................at Salem Feb. 2 ........................................West Branch Feb. 6 .........................................at Carrollton Feb. 9.....................................Canton Central
Salem Nov. 24 .......................................at Crestview Nov. 28 ............................................at United Dec. 1............................................at Alliance Dec. 3 ...........................Youngstown Mooney Dec. 8 ..................................at Canton South Dec. 12........................................at Struthers Dec. 15............................................Louisville Dec. 22......................................West Branch Dec. 29..........................................at Minerva Jan. 5..............................................Carrollton Jan. 9 ........................................at Marlington Jan. 12...............................................Alliance Jan. 14 ......................................Beaver Local Jan. 19 .....................................Canton South Jan. 23 ........................................at Louisville Jan. 26...................................at West Branch Jan. 28 ....................................East Liverpool Jan. 30 ..............................................Minerva Feb. 2 .........................................at Carrollton Feb. 6 ............................................Marlington Feb. 11.....................at Youngstown Christian Feb. 13...................................................Niles
Sebring Nov. 26..........................................at Malvern Nov. 29 ...........................................Heartland Dec. 3 ..................................Canton Heritage Dec. 6..............................................Wellsville Dec. 8 ................................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 10 .......................................Columbiana Dec. 13 ......................................at Lowellville Dec. 17 ..........................................McDonald Dec. 20...............................Western Reserve Dec. 27 ...................................at Southington Jan. 3 .........................................at Heartland Jan. 7 ...........................................at Leetonia
Jan. 10...............................at Southern Local Jan. 14 ........................................at Wellsville Jan. 17....................................at Columbiana Jan. 19...........................................Lordstown Jan. 24...........................................Lowellville Jan. 28.......................................at McDonald Jan. 31 ...........................at Western Reserve Feb. 4 ...............................................Leetonia Feb. 7.....................................Southern Local Feb. 11 ............................................at Lisbon
Southern Local Nov. 29...............................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 3....................................American Spirit Dec. 6 ........................................at McDonald Dec. 10........................................at Wellsville Dec. 13.........................................at Leetonia Dec. 17...............................Western Reserve Dec. 20 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 27 ...............................at East Palestine Jan. 3 .................................................Lisbon Jan. 7.........................................at Lowellville Jan. 10...............................................Sebring Jan. 14...........................................McDonald Jan. 16 ...........................................Heartland Jan. 17 ............................................Wellsville Jan. 23 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 24 .............................................Leetonia Jan. 28 ...........................at Western Reserve Jan. 31........................................Columbiana Feb. 4.............................................Lowellville Feb. 6 .............................................at Toronto Feb. 7 ............................................at Sebring Feb. 11 ..............................at American Spirit
South Range Nov. 23 ...................................at Columbiana Nov. 27 ........................................at Struthers Nov. 29...............................Western Reserve Dec. 3 .................................................Poland Dec. 6 ................................at Jackson-Milton Dec. 10 .....................................at Springfield Dec. 13 ................................at Mineral Ridge Dec. 17................................................Lisbon Dec. 20 ................................................United Dec. 29 .........................Youngstown Mooney Jan. 3.........................................at Lowellville Jan. 7 .........................................at Crestview Jan. 10 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 14 ...................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 17 ..........................................Springfield Jan. 24.....................................Mineral Ridge Jan. 28 ............................................at Lisbon Jan. 31.............................................at United Feb. 4 .............................................Crestview Feb. 7..................................at East Palestine Feb. 11........................................Columbiana Feb. 13 ..................................at West Branch
Springfield Local Nov. 29..........................Youngstown Mooney Dec. 3 ............................................Lowellville Dec. 6 .....................................East Palestine Dec. 10 .....................................South Range Dec. 13............................................at United Dec. 17 ....................................Mineral Ridge Dec. 20...........................................Crestview Dec. 22 ...............................................Poland Dec. 29 ....................at Youngstown Christian Jan. 7 ..............................................at Lisbon Jan. 10 ...............................at Jackson-Milton Jan. 12 ..................................at Newton Falls Jan. 14 ................................at East Palestine Jan. 17..................................at South Range Jan. 24.................................................United Jan. 28.................................at Mineral Ridge
Jan. 31 .......................................at Crestview Feb. 4 ..................................................Lisbon Feb. 7 .....................................Jackson-Milton Feb. 11............................................at Liberty
United Nov. 26................................at East Liverpool Nov. 28.................................................Salem Dec. 1 ......................at Louisville St. Thomas Dec. 6..............................................at Lisbon Dec. 10 ...............................at East Palestine Dec. 13 .........................................Springfield Dec. 17...........................................Crestview Dec. 20 .................................at South Range Dec. 27...........................................Carrollton Dec. 29.............................................Leetonia Jan. 3.....................................at West Branch Jan. 5 ....................................at Beaver Local Jan. 7 .....................................Jackson-Milton Jan. 10.................................at Mineral Ridge Jan. 12...........................................Lowellville Jan. 14.................................................Lisbon Jan. 17 ....................................East Palestine Jan. 24 ......................................at Springfield Jan. 28 .......................................at Crestview Jan. 31 ......................................South Range Feb. 4.................................at Jackson-Milton Feb. 7.......................................Mineral Ridge
Wellsville Nov. 27 ...........................................Heartland Nov. 29....................................East Liverpool Dec. 3 ...................................at Beaver Local Dec. 6............................................at Sebring Dec. 10 ..................................Southern Local Dec. 13 ...................................at Columbiana Dec. 17.............................................Leetonia Dec. 19...........................................at Toronto Dec. 20 ..........................................Lowellville Jan. 3 ................................................Toronto Jan. 7 .............................at Western Reserve Jan. 10.......................................at McDonald Jan. 14...............................................Sebring Jan. 17...............................at Southern Local Jan. 19 ................................at East Liverpool Jan. 22 ......................................Beaver Local Jan. 24........................................Columbiana Jan. 28 .........................................at Leetonia Jan. 31.......................................at Lowellville Feb. 4 .................................Western Reserve Feb. 7.............................................McDonald Feb. 11 .......................................at Heartland
West Branch Nov. 24 .........................Youngstown Ursuline Dec. 1 ......................................Canton South Dec. 5 ...........................................at Canfield Dec. 8..........................................at Louisville Dec. 12 .........................Youngstown Mooney Dec. 15..........................................Marlington Dec. 22 ............................................at Salem Dec. 27 ....................at North Canton Hoover Dec. 29.......................................at Carrollton Jan. 3...................................................United Jan. 5 ................................................Minerva Jan. 9 ............................................at Alliance Jan. 12.................................at Canton South Jan. 16 ................................at East Liverpool Jan. 19 ............................................Louisville Jan. 23 ......................................at Marlington Jan. 25.................................................Salem Jan. 30............................................Carrollton Feb. 2 ............................................at Minerva Feb. 6 ................................................Alliance Feb. 9...................................Austintown Fitch Feb. 13......................................South Range
30 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
MINERVA LIONS
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Minerva boys basketball team are (front, from left) Kristian Knight, Nick Clapper, Andre Whiteleather, Austin Davison, Evan Forst, Cody Parrish, Chase Cappelli; (back, from left) coach Bruce Wright, head coach Pepper Locke, Jantsen Locke, Quade Zeedrich, Jake Stryffeler, Billy Eyer, coach Scott Russell and coach Rob Yeagley.
Lions will have to grow up fast SCHOOL: Minerva Lions. 2011-12 RECORD: 10-12, including a 6-8 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Lions were 4-2 in games decided by four points or less. They were 7-3 on Fridays and 1-4 on Saturdays. HEAD COACH: Pepper Locke is in his seventh season as head coach wtih a record of 65-65. He served 11 seasons as the Minerva girls head coach with a record of 149-96. ASSISTANT COACHES: Bruce Wright (varsity assistant), Rob Yeagley (varsity assistant), Scott Russell (junior varsity), Lance Willison (freshmen), Kevin Russell (eighth grade), Troy
Richeson (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, inlcuding one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jantsen Locke (6-0 junior guard, two-year letterwinner), Evan Forst (6-6 senior post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Austin Davison (5-9 senior guard), Quade Zeedrich (6-2 senior forward), Andre Whiteleather (6-0 senior forward), Chase Capelli (5-9 junior guard), Cody Parrish (5-8 junior guard), Jake Stryffeler (6-3 junior post), Nick Clapper (5-8 junior guard), Billy Eyer (6-3 sophomore post), Kristian Knight (5-8 sophomore guard).
JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Joey Gill (5-8 sophomore guard), Mitch Croston (5-11 sophomore forward), Austin Catlett (5-10 sophomore forward), Dakota Hudy (6-0 sophomore forward), Logan Coe (5-9 sophomore guard), Jordan Myers (5-9 sophomore guard), Tyler Wilson (5-8 sophomore post), Wylie Brown (6-4 sophomore post). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We will have a team with some depth, quickness and kids who are very competitive,” Locke said. “We are working at establishing our roles and our team chemistry. They’re great kids who give effort and like each other, so it should be fun
watching them grow.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Defense and rebounding are always very important for us,” Locke said. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Eli Maurer (graduated) 19.0, Jantsen Locke 11.3. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Eli Mauer (graduated) first-team NBC. Jantsen Locke, second-team NBC. Keanan Locke (graduated), honorable mention NBC. Zach Wade (graduated) honorable mention NBC. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions are See LIONS, Page 32
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 31
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Minerva girls basketball team are (front, from left) Mikayla Shea, Lauren Haynam, Mayson Hardgrove; (second row, from left) Lorin Clark, Raychel Blocher, Jacklyn Russell; (back, from left) Shania Miller, coach Mark Blackburn, Josie Chaddock, head coach Heather Frigyes, Tiffany Jones, coach Sean Kocher and Morgan Preston.
MORNING
See page 32 for the Minerva girls preview
JOURNAL
308 W. Maple St. Lisbon, Ohio 44432 Phone (330) 424-9541
Good luck to all area teams!
ANNETTE MAPES
“Go Lions!”
MINERVA WELDING & FAB 22133 U.S. SR 30 • Minerva, Ohio
330-868-7731
“GO LIONS”
MINOR INSURANCE
956 E. Lincoln Way • Minerva, Ohio
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Agent
STUART MAPES Office Manager
712 E. Lincoln Way Minerva, OH 44657
Off: (330) 868-7781 Fax: (330) 868-4615
32 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
Minerva girls show experience SCHOOL: Minerva Lions. 2011-12 RECORD: 8-14, including a 5-9 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Lions lost four of their last five games. They were 5-4 in Wednesday games. HEAD COACH: Heather Frigyes enters her second season as head coach. She is in her 19th season of coaching at Minerva, which includes one season as the junior varsity girls coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark Blackburn (varsity assistant), Sean Kocher (junior varsity), Brooke Preston (eighth grade), Mikke Ray (seventh grade), Justin Davis (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including all five starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Raychel Blocher (5-9 senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Lorin Clark (5-6 senior point guard, two-year letterwinner), Mayson Hardgrove (5-6 senior forward, three-year letterwinner), Jacklyn Russell (5-4 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Mikayla Shea (5-8 senior forward, one-year letterwin-
“We did not lose anyone to graduation and return all five starters.” HEATHER FRIGYES, MINERVA GIRLS COACH
ner), Lauren Haynam (5-10 junior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner), Shania Miller (5-6 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner), Morgan Preston (5-7 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Tiffany Jones (5-9 junior forward), Josie Chaddock (5-7 freshman point guard), Macy Foutz (5-9 freshman forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Alexa Bates (5-9 junior forward-center), Maddie Seidschlaw (5-5 junior guard), Lauren Rhome (6-0 sophomore forward-center), Caitlin Rodgers (5-7 sophomore guard-forward), Amanda Burchett (5-5 freshman guard), Macy Foutz (5-9 freshman forward), Maranada Myers (5-2 freshman guard),
Logan Pottorf (5-5 freshman guard-forward), Kaitelyn Wayts (5-4 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We did not lose anyone to graduation and return all five starters,” Frigyes said. “We should have more depth this year, allowing uS to maintain stamina and give different offensive and defensive looks depending on personnel on the floor.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Overall size,” Frigyes said. “No one on the varsity roster is over 5-foot-10. We worked hard in the offseason to improve on our rebounding and finishing shots around the basket.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Lorin Clark 9.4, Raychel Blocher 7.6, Jacklyn Russell 7.5, Mayson Hardgrove 7.3; Rebounds — Raychel Blocher 6.0, Mayson Hardgrove 5.5; Assists — Lorin Clark 2.8; Steals — Lorin Clark 3.7; Free Throw Pct. — Jacklyn Russell 73 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Raychel Blocher, second-team NBC. Mayson Hardgrove, second-team
NBC. Lorin Clark, honorable mention AllNBC. Jacklyn Russell, honorable mention All-NBC. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions are loaded with experience as there were no seniors last season. They return all five starters and three more letterwinners. Four of the Lions averaged more than seven points a game last season. They were 7-0 in games they scored more than 50 points. Minerva will try to return to the top half of the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. “West Branch and Carrollton seem to be preseason favorites to win the league,” Frigyes said. “However, the NBC is a very competitive league where upsets occur with any team being able to win on any given night. “We are looking to improve on our fifth-place finish from last year with the goal of emerging into the top three.”
BULLDOGS,
LIONS,
Continued from Page 16
Continued from Page 30
TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Bulldogs are searching for a consistent scoring threat after being limited to an average of 37.0 points a game last season. They averaged 45.7 points in their three victories. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Brooke Gedeon 11.7, Shannon Jurjavcic (graduated) 7.3; Rebounds — Brooke Gedeon 9.7; Assists — Logan Gatchel 3.0; Steals — Katie Bell 3.0, Logan Gatchel 3.0; Field Goal Pct. — Brooke Gedeon 50 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Brooke Gedeon 70 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Brooke Gedeon, honorable mention All-Area. Logan Gatchel, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The
Bulldogs have won one league game the past two seasons. “We have four starters back and have added some younger girls to the roster,” Herriott said. “That should give us much more depth than in previous years. The girls have worked hard and have a great attitude. We’re anxious to get the season started.” The Bulldogs plan on being more competitive in the ITCL upper tier. “With four straight ITCL titles, United has to be the favorite again,” Herriott said. “South Range and Crestview will be tough as well. JacksonMilton is in our tier this year and should make an impact. I know the rest of the teams have key Morning Journal/Wayne Maris players returning along with us and hopefully we can all close East Palestine’s Logan Gatchel drives on Lisbon’s Katy Crismon last season. the gap on the top three.”
looking to improve as the season unfolds. “The team is really working hard and we are enjoying coaching them,” Locke said. “We lack some experience, but we do not lack effort. We have some size and some quickness. “There is some good competition going on in practice, which makes everyone better. The keys will be gaining experience with each minute on the floor and become a solid team. We want to be a team that plays together and understand roles.” The Lions are hoping to be competitive in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. “The league is going to be interesting this year,” Locke said. “You’ve got Salem, Alliance and Carrollton with a lot of kids back. Marlington has (Walsh recruit) Lucas Strouble back. “And Canton South has a couple of four-year lettermen. This could be a year when the league champion has two or three losses.”
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 33
OAK GLEN GOLDEN BEARS
Five Bears back from state squad SCHOOL: Oak Glen Golden Bears. 2011-12 RECORD: 18-8, advanced to the West Virginia Class AA state quarterfinals, losing to Scott High School. HEAD COACH: Scott Wiley enters his third season as head coach with a record of 33-18. He previously served two years as the Oak Glen seventh grade girls coach and one year apiece at Oak Glen and Steubenville Catholic Central’s freshmen boys coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Rhonda Stipec (varsity assistant), Sam Palestta (junior varsity), Sherrie Garner (junior varsity assistant), Gary Mooney (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Casey Patterson (5-8 senior wing, two-year letterwinner), Vanessa Hissam (5-9 junior post, two-year letterwinner), Tori Feicht (5-8 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Karly Wiley (5-9 junior guard, one-year letterwinner),
Jessica Stivason (5-10 sophomore post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kaitlyn Herstine (5-7 sophomore guard), Brie Evans (5-7 sophomore guard-post), Logan Andrews (5-9 freshman guard), Alex Arnott (5-6 freshman guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Alyson Snow (5-8 sophomore post), Bridget Bernis (5-8 freshman post), Tori Fryer (5-6 freshman guard), Megan Stipec (5-5 freshman guard), devan Mynes (5-8 junior post). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Five returning letterwinners, strong post play with Vanessa Hissam, the second-leading scorer and leading rebounder last year,” Wiley said. “Height and quickness.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Numbers,” Wiley said. “After the first five, the bench has no varsity experience. Only 14 girls on the team.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Payden Eckleberry (graduated) 17.9, Vanessa Hissam 12.7; Rebounds — Vanessa Hissam 9.0;
Field Goal Pct. — Vanessa Hissam 55 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Vanessa Hissam 65 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Payden Eckleberry, firstteam Class AA All-West Virginia. Vanessa Hissam, honorable mention Class AA All-West Virginia. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Golden Bears lost all-state point guard Payden Eckleberry to graduation, but have five letterwinners returning. “I think we will surprise a lot of teams with our height and quickness,” Wiley said. “We will play an uptempo style and press as much as we can. We will go nine deep into the bench and should get players a lot of playing time with our style of play.” Oak Glen has advanced to the state tournament three of the last four years. “Our goals will also be in the top four in the Ohio Valley Athletic Morning Journal Conference and make the state tourOak Glen’s Vanessa Hissam (right) reaches the nament in Charleston (West tip against Beaver Local’s Danna Talbott Virginia),” Wiley said.
Oak Glen welcomes familiar face
SCHOOL: Oak Glen Golden Bears. 2011-12 RECORD: 3-20. HEAD COACH: Dave Smith returns as head coach. He was the Oak Glen head coach for 10 seasons with a record of 82-133, finishing his last season in the 2003-04 campaign with a 23-1 record, a No. 1 state ranking and their first trip to the West Virginia state tournament. He is in his seventh year as assistant principal at Oak Glen Middle School and said he got back into coaching when the district allowed administrators to coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Brian Hissam (varsity assistant), Jerry Everly (junior varsity), Jerred Gamble (volunteer assistant) , Doug Comm (volunteer
assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Matt McLaughlin (senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Cody Howell (senior forward, two-year letterwinner), Taylor Kincaid (senior post, two-year letterwinner), David McGraw (junior post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Trey Smith (senior guard), Jakob Ford (junior guard), Kyle Woodruff (junior guard), Tyler Click (sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We do have a little bit of size,” Smith said. “The only problem with size is it would be
nice to get it from a guard, that’s where we are struggling a little bit.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Our weakness is our guard play,” Smith said. “Matt McLaughlin is our only returning letterwinner with any experience at that spot. If we get decent ball control, we can have some success.” SEASON OUTLOOK: Smith returns to take over a program that is coming off of consecutive three-win seasons. The Golden Bears are aiming for attainable goals. “I think it’s real simplistic, we just want to get better,” Smith said. “We have to develop some type of team atmosphere, to try to help each other
out and get better. I want is to get better by the team and we get to february, I hope we are competitive by then.” There are some schedule changes this season. “We lost Tyler Consolidated and Magnolia —they dropped down to single A,” Smith said. Now it will be tougher for the Golden Bears as Weirton, Fairmont East, Fairmont West and North Marion join their district. “Which will be very tough. It makes it a more difficult section,” Smith said. “It’s a little bit more travel too, but hopefully it will make us better in the long run.”
34 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
SALEM QUAKERS
Morning Journal/Jon Rudder
Members of the Salem boys basketball team are (front, from left) Brendan Webb, Brooks Bezon, Austin Frank, Mike Madison, Mike Popa, Rocco Davanso; (back, from left) coach George Spack, coach Jake Zatchok, Brayden Myers, Eric Madison, Zach Economous, Ryan Bush, Anthony Shivers, Max Wolfgang, Ryan Hoover, Zack Wukotich, coach Andrew Smyczynski and head coach Rich Hart.
Salem boys in NBC title chase SCHOOL: Salem Quakers. 2011-12 RECORD: 9-13, including a 3-11 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Quakers were 2-7 in games decided by five points or less, including two losses in overtime. The lost eight of their last nine league games. HEAD COACH: Rich Hart is in his third season as head coach with a record of 19-25. He was 184-118 as Minerva head coach from 1992-2006, being named the 1994 Ohio Division II Coach of the Year after leading Minerva to a 20-0 season. He has a career record of 257-224 as a head coach, including stops at Upper Sandusky and Hardin Northern.
ASSISTANT COACHES: George Spack, Jake Zatchok, Andy Smcyzynski, Jeff Andres, Greg Wollman, Logan Whartman. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Ryan Bush (senior, two-year letterwinner), Mike Madison (senior, oneyear letterwinner), Brendan Webb (senior, two-year letterwinner), Anthony Shivers (senior, two-year letterwinner), Zach Enonomous (senior, one-year letterwinner), Brayden Myers (senior, one-year letterwinner), Max Wolfgang (junior, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS:
Austin Frank (senior), Zach Wukotich (senior), Brooks Bezon (senior), Eric Madison (senior), Ryan Hoover (junior), Mike Popa (junior). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: TEAM STRENGTHS: “We’re senior laden and we’ve got nine players with varsity experience,” Hart said. “So we’ve got some experience, which should help us. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We can’t afford injuries and we have to be consistent from the perimeter,” Hart said. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Ryan Bush 18.5, Trent Kenreigh (graduated) 13.5, Anthony Shivers 7.3; Rebounds — Anthony Shivers 7.0,
Ryan Bush 4.0; Assists — Brendan Webb 4.5, Ryan Bush 4.0; Steals — Ryan Bush 2.5; Blocks — Max Wolfgang 1.5. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Ryan Bush, first-team All-Area. Trent Kenreigh (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Anthony Shivers, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Quakers have seven letterwinners, including one of the area’s top players in Ryan Bush along with Mike Madison, who returns after missing all but the first couple games last season due to injury. See SALEM, Page 53
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 35
Quakers bounce back
SCHOOL: Salem Quakers. 2011-12 RECORD: 4-17, including a 4-10 mark in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. It was the most losses in a season in school history. The Quakers got off to a 2-3 start and lost their last nine games. HEAD COACH: Renee Farina is in her third season as head coach with a record of 9-33. She was a junior varsity coach at Austintown Fitch on year and a volunteer assistant at Salem one year. She was a starter on Salem’s 2004 Division II state semifinalist team. ASSISTANT COACHES: Sarah Hamilton (junior varsity), George Spack (varsity assistant), Marissa Mattozzi (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Lindsey Foster (6-1 senior forward, three-year letterwinner), Katherine Stiff (5-5 senior guard, threeyear letterwinner), Ciera Trybend (6-1 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Megan Lehwald (5-4 junior guard, oneyear letterwinner), Julia Dundon (5-5 sophomore point guard, one-year letterwinner), Tori Jones (5-9 sophomore guard-forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Raegan Meals (5-5 sophomore guard), Rylee Meals (5-5 sophomore guard), Rylee Leider (5-5 freshman guard), Olivia Stiff (5-9 freshman guard-forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Haley Carner (sophomore forward), Sadie Alesi (freshman guard), Brittany Zamarelli (freshman guard), Linzy Haueter (freshman guard), Kendra Wilkinson (freshman forward), Ashley Foster (freshman guard-forward), Kira Norman (freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have six returning lettermen — three of those six are seniors,” Farina said. “Our seniors See QUAKERS, Page 53
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
Members of the Salem girls basketball team are (front, from left) Katherine Stiff, Megan Lehwald; (second row, from left) Julia Dundon, Rylee Meals, Raegan Meals, Rylee Leider; (back, from left) Olivia Stiff, Ciera Trybend, head coach Renee Farina, coach George Spack, Lindsey Foster and Tori Jones.
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36 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
SEBRING TROJANS
Special to the Journal
Members of the Sebring boys basketball team are (front, from left) Tyler Hamby, Parker Ketter, Joshua Zmuda, Riley Witt, Seth Hamby, Brett Weekly; (second row, from left) Joe Davis, Branton Alex, Ty Wilson, Cody Dennis, Jon Ward, Josh Hurford, Kirby Wilt; (back, from left) Alex Wheeler, Aaron McDaniel, Andrew Weingart, Eddie Kolisar, Logan Barnes, Jerry Billingsley, Dylan Mick and Noah Lanzer.
Sebring boys young and restless SCHOOL: Sebring Trojans. 2011-12 RECORD: 14-9, including a 7-7 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Trojans won eight of their last 10 games. They were 2-3 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Mark Baia enters his second season as head coach. He has coached at Sebring for 12 years, including three years as junior varsity coach and eight years as eighth grade coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jamie
Reggi (junior varsity), Dave Scarpitti (freshmen), Jason Hamby (eighth grade), Jeff Schroeder (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: One, a starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Josh Hurford (5-8 senior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kirby Wilt (5-11 senior guard), Jerry Billingsley (6-1 junior forward-center), Joe Davis (5-11 junior guard), Tyler Hamby (5-6 junior guard), Eddie Kolisar (6-4 junior forward-center),
Dylan Mick (6-1 junior guard), Jon Ward (5-10 junior forward), Branton Alex (6-0 sophomore forward), Logan Barnes (6-6 sophomore center), Cody Dennis (5-8 sophomore forward), Andrew Weingart (6-1 sophomore guard), Brett Weekly (5-10 sophomore guard), Alex Wheeler (5-10 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Seth Hamby (5-9 freshman guard), Parker Ketler (5-8 freshman guard), Noah Lanzer (5-11 freshman forward), Aaron McDaniel (6-0 freshman for-
ward), Ty B Wilson (5-10 freshman guard-forward), Riley Wilt (5-6 freshman guard), Josh Zmuda (5-5 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: Team defense. The Trojans were second in the area last season, allowing 44.8 points a game. TEAM WEAKNESSES: The Trojans have no proven scorer after losing their top five scorers to graduation. They were 12-0 when scoring at least See SEBRING, Page 54
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 37
Trojans give it a go with nine SCHOOL: Sebring Trojans. 2011-12 RECORD: 3-18, including a 1-13 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Trojans were down to seven players late last season due to injuries. They loss their last 11 games overall, last nine road games and last eight league games. HEAD COACH: Joe Eaton is in his second season as head coach. He spent the previous two seasons as the Sebring girls seventh-grade coach. ASSISTANT COACHES: Don Eaton (assistant), Evelyn Woods (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Kelsi Settle (5-8 junior wingpost, two-year letterwinner), Cierra Roosa (5-5 junior post, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Arianna Papic (5-3 sophomore point guard), Sydney Smith (5-8 freshman wing-post), Murphy Flowers (5-3 freshman point guard), Nikita McMullen (5-7 freshman wing), McKenna Meir (5-3 freshman wing), Isis Ketchum (5-6 freshman wingpost), Brice Weverly (5-3 freshman wing). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have a lot of girls who want to play basketball and want to play every day,” Eaton said. “They want to be there. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We’re very young, we have no seniors,” Eaton said. “We have some nice girls are going to play every single minute of every game.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Kelsie Settle 10.4, Kayla Maretich
(graduated) 8.9, Siara Dalton (graduated) 7.1. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Kayla Maretich (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Kelsi Settle, honorable mention AllArea. SEASON OUTLOOK: Anyone who complains about depth and experience should talk to Sebring. The Trojans’ high school roster includes two juniors, one sophomore and six freshmen.
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Members of the Sebring girls basketball team are (front, from left) Cierra Roosa, Arianna Papic, McKenna Meir, Murphy Flowers, Brice Wervey; (back, left to right) head coach Joe Eaton, Kelsi Settle, Sydney Smith, Nikita McMullen and Isis Ketchum.
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This is the fourth straight year the Trojans will not field a junior varsity squad. “Some girls who aren’t quite ready to play varsity, they get stuck on the bench and don’t get the experience of play-
ing,” Eaton said. “It kind of feels like they get discouraged, but there are really not quite ready to play varsity.” The Trojans went to summer camp See TROJANS, Page 54
38 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
SOUTH RANGE RAIDERS
Morning Journal/Michael S. Burich
Members of the South Range boys basketball team are (from left) Robby Seman, Jake Arsuffi, Garrett Anderson, Tyler Beverly, Mason Miller, Cole Krumpak and Jake Pfeifer.
Range boys slowed by injuries SCHOOL: South Range Raiders. 2011-12 RECORD: 17-5, including a second-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 12-2 mark. The Raiders lost both league games by two points and have won eight straight league games. The five losses were by 19 total points. HEAD COACH: Dave Purins is in his seventh season as head coach with a record of 69-59. He was the South Range junior varsity coach for one sea-
son. ASSISTANT COACHES: Harold McCue (varsity assistant), T.J. Irons (junior varsity), Jeff Fishel (freshmen), Bob Cook (eighth grade), Burt Stellers (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Tyler Beverly (6-4 senior center, one-year letterwinner), Ross Stoffer (62 senior guard, two-year letterwinner).
INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mason Miller (5-11 senior guard), Jake Arsuffi (5-10 senior guard), Jake Pfeifer (5-7 senior guard), Cole Krumpak (5-11 senior forward), Robby Seman (5-10 senior guard), Garrett Anderson (5-11 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Turner Curry (5-11 junior forward), Andrew Cullar (5-7 sophomore guard), Josh Fromel (5-7 sophomore guard), Dylan Keller (5-8 sophomore guard),
Nick Wiery (5-7 sophomore guard), Dylan Rutledge (5-11 sophomore guard), Gary Miller (6-1 sophomore forward), Jonah WIlson (6-1 sophomore forward), Cole Berry (5-10 sophomore forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We will relay upon six extremely hard-working seniors to carry the load,” Purins said. “I’m impressed with their toughness See RANGE, Page 53
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 39
Morning Journal/Michael S. Burich
Members of the South Range girls basketball team are (front, from left) Holly Heck, Starla Sharp, Allison Oliver, Lexi Naples, Stevie Taylor, Sierra Patrella; (back) head coach Wayne Johnson, coach Colleen Eisenbraun, Elaina Kimpel, Jordan Youngs, Sara Durr, Lynnie Ritter, Kendall Syms, Ashley Sharp, coach Ryan Guy and coach Henry Glenn.
Raiders feeling right at home SCHOOL: South Range Raiders. 2011-12 RECORD: 14-9, including a second-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 10-4 mark. The Raiders were 8-2 at home and were 2-2 in games decided by two points or less. HEAD COACH: Wayne Johnson is in his fourth season as head coach with a record of 49-21. He was 72-19 with three league titles in four seasons as the Columbiana girls head coach from 2003-07. He also was a Columbiana boys junior varsity coach for four years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Henry Glenn (junior varsity), Colleen Eisenbraun (assistant), Ryan Guy (varsity assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAY-
ERS: Lexi Naples (5-5 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Allison Oliver (5-7 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Stevie Taylor (5-6 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Starla Sharp (57 junior forward, one-year letterwinner), Ashley Sharp (5-3 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Holly Heck (5-10 junior forward), Sierra Patrella (5-3 junior guard), Elaina Kimpel (5-4 junior guard), Kendall Syms (5-7 sophomore forward), Sara Durr (6-1 sophomore forVICTOR STOFFER agent - owner
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40 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
SOUTHERN LOCAL INDIANS
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Southern Local boys basketball team are (front, from left) Josh Brown, Dylan Ketchum, J.J. Napierkowski, Troy Holden, Aron Sevek, M.J. Williams; (back, from left) coach Aaron Blatch, Clayton Cunningham, Jared Shilot, Caleb Gotschall, Kyler Woodward, Andrew Russell, Luke Griffith and head coach George Whittaker.
Beating Southern Local a tall task SCHOOL: Southern Local Indians. 2011-12 RECORD: 11-11, including a 5-9 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Indians got off to a 6-3 start and lost their last four games at home. They were 3-5 in games decided by five points or less. HEAD COACH: George Whittaker is his his 13th season as head coach with a record of 140-128. He has 29 years of head coaching experience, including two seasons with the Beaver Local girls and one with the Western Reserve boys.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Aaron Blatch (junior varsity), Jamie Adkins (freshmen), Ethan Blatch (eighth grade), Erick Shipe (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Luke Griffith (6-4 senior guardforward, three-year letterwinner), J.J. Napierkowski (5-10 senior guard, three-year letterwinner), Kyler Woodward (6-4 senior center, two-year letterwinner), Dylan Ketchum (5-10 senior guard, two-year letterwinner),
Jared Shilot (6-2 junior forward, twoyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: M.J. Williams (6-0 junior guard), Caleb Gotschall (6-7 junior center), Andrew Russell (6-4 sophomore forward), Troy Holden (6-0 freshman forward). Clayton Cunningham (6-1 junior forward), Aron Sevek (5-8 sophomore guard), Josh Brown (5-11 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: James Napierkowski (5-10 junior guard), Christian Adkins (6-1 freshman
guard), Tristan Davis (6-2 freshman forward), Jaret Dowling (6-0 freshman forward), Drew Sevek (5-9 freshman guard), Brandon Burns (5-8 freshman guard), Chance Felton (6-2 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We return an experienced team with a defensive mindset,” Whittaker said. “We have good size and should be athletic enough to give teams problems on the defensive end of the floor.” See SOUTHERN, Page 55
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 41
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the Southern Local girls basketball team are (front, from left) Susan Bratt, Lisa Higgins, Rachel Coil, Emily Jenkins, Kati Hipsley; (back, from left) Hannah Brothers, Sarah Phillis, Aysia Canterbury, Brittany Webber, Beckah Phillis, Abby Smalley, Natalie Utt and Mickenzie Mosti.
Southern girls on the rebound SCHOOL: Southern Local Indians. 2011-12 RECORD: 6-15, including a 2-12 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Tigers won their last three games at home and were 0-3 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Cory Leek enters his third season as head coach with a “GO, INDIANS”
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RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Rachel Coil (5-11 senior post, three-year letterwinner), Kati Hipsley (5-5 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Susan Bratt (5-10 senior post, one-year letterwinner), Beckah (5-7 junior guard, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Emily Jenkins (5-9 senior post), Lisa “GOOD LUCK, INDIANS!”
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42 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
SPRINGFIELD LOCAL TIGERS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Springfield boys basketball team are (front, from left) Anthony Scandy, Joe Wrask, Mark Schuler, Brandon Chamberlain, Jake Ohlin; (back, from left) coach Tim Norris, Joe Caraballo, Eoghan Bees, Jared McTigue, Alex Wharry, head coach Eric Fender and coach Tom Fender.
Springfield out to defend ITCL SCHOOL: Springfield Local Tigers. 2011-12 RECORD: 21-3, including the Inter-Tri County League upper tier title with a 13-1 mark. They had win streaks of 10 and 11 games. The Tigers won their first league title title 2006 and their second district title since 1969. HEAD COACH: Eric Fender enters his fourth season as head coach with a record of 44-22. He was freshman coach for one year at Springfield and at Poland.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Tom Fender (varsity assistant), Tim Norris (junior varsity), Chris Martin (freshmen). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Eoghan Bees (5-9 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Alex Wharry (5-8 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Jared McTigue (6-2 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Mark Schuler (6-5 sophomore forward-cen-
ter, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Joe Carabello (5-6 senior guard), Joe Johnson (5-10 senior guard-forward), Jake Ohlin (5-10 junior guard), Joe Wrask (6-0 junior guard-forward), Anthony Scandy (5-10 junior guard), Brandon Chamberlain (6-3 sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Nate Simboli (6-1 sophomore guardforward), Hunter Snyder (5-8 sophomore guard), Jared Musial (6-3 sopho-
more), Jordan Peterson (5-10 sophomore guard), Neil Sofranec (5-9 sophomore), Tyler McLaughlin (5-9 sophomore guard-forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Being unselfish and playing strong quality defense,” Fender said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Scoring,” Fender said. “With losing five seniors, we are going to have to figure out who can score for us.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — See SPRINGFIELD, Page 54
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 43
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Springfield girls basketball team are (front, from left) Callie Ford, Mary Ritter, Alexa Packard, Kennedy Richey, Emily Stacy; (back, from left) coach Danielle Daltorio, coach Jeff Huffman, Balyee Felger, Qunnlan Crowe, Joanie Foster, Jillian Tabaka, Kasey Kohler and head coach Jim Schuler. Not pictured are Audrey Dearing and Madison Bender.
See page 51 for the Springfield girls preview
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44 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
UNITED GOLDEN EAGLES
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the United boys basketball team are (front, from left) Brandon Miller, Caleb Berdine, Brandon Whaley, Garrett Beech, Colton Antram, Caleb Conser, Andrew Martin, Nick Althouse, Cody Dickens, Tyler Powers, Matt Blake; (back, from left) coach Todd Sarchet, coach Jason Miller, Devin Minard, Jared Powell, Jacob Wolni, Sam Henderson, Tyler Plummer, Paul Faulkner, Braden Davison, Ben Sell and head coach Matt Mowery.
Growing pains for United boys SCHOOL: United Golden Eagles. 2011-12 RECORD: 1-20, including a 1-13 mark in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier. The Eagles have lost 32 of their last 35 games overall and 25 of their last 26 games on the road. HEAD COACH: Matt Mowery enters his second season as head coach. He coached junior varsity at United for three years, seventh grade at United one year and was a varsity assistant at Salem one year. ASSISTANT COACHES: Rob Clunen (varsity assistant), Todd Sarchet (junior varsity), Luke Williams (freshmen), Ryan Burd (eighth grade), Jarrod Niederhiser (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Garrett Beech (5-10 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Caleb Conser (5-11 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Brandon Miller (5-8 junior guard,
one-year letterwinner), Paul Faulkner (6-0 senior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Nick Althouse (5-11 senior guard), Tyler Plummer (6-2 senior forward), Jared Powell (6-1 senior forward), Devin Minard (6-0 junior guard-forward), Braden Davison (6-0 sophomore), Cody Dickens (5-10 sophomore guard), Andrew Martin (5-11 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Sam Henderson (6-2 junior forward), Jake Wolni (6-2 junior forward), Matt Blake (5-10 sophomore guard-forward), Ben Sell (6-0 sophomore forward), Brandon Whaley (5-9 sophomore guard), Caleb Berdine (5-10 freshman guard), Colton Antram (6-0 freshman forward), Tyler Powers (5-10 freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Athleticism and quickness,” Mowery said.
TEAM WEAKNESSES: Height and scoring. The Eagles averaged an arealow 34.4 points a game last season, the fewest in team history. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Brett Albright (graduated) 10.3, Brandon Miller 5.3, Caleb Conser 4.9; Rebounds — Paul Faulkner 4.0; Assists — Brett Albright (graduated) 1.6; Steals — Brett Albright (graduated) 2.4; Field Goal Pct. — Paul Faulkner 40 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Caleb Conser 57 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Brett Albright (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Coming off the losingest season in school history, the Eagles will look to improve game by game and quarter by quarter. “We have a great group of high quality kids who want to get better and are working hard,” Mowery said. “Our numbers are up throughout the program
and we have a lot of good things going on from the elementary to the high school level. I’m excited for our guys because I think they have something to prove. “However, getting to where we want to be is a process and we have to be patient and stay the course. Six of our first eight games are on the road, which will be tough. Our non-league schedule features three NBC teams and Beaver Local.” The Eagles will try to stay within striking range this season. Last season, only two losses were decided by singledigit margins and they lost nine games by 29 points or more. “As for teams in the league, defending champion Springfield will be tough and I look for Crestview will be solid and East Palestine is well coached,” Mowery said. “And Jackson-Milton is the defending champion in (the lower tier), so they will be up to the challenge.”
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 45
Morning Journal/Ron Firth
Members of the United girls basketball team are (front, from left) Kassie Chestnut, Lauren Beech, Tara Gray, Emily Zehentbauer, Allison Parks, Elle Smith; (second row, from left) Cassidy Yoder, Amanda Hall, Sam Spitler, Mackenzie Gatchel, Courtney Hydrick, MacKenzie Firth, Mollie Phillis; (third row, from left) Rachel Amos, Haylee Hawk, Jackie Bentfeld, Morgan Smith, Shanna Miller, Jenna Plummer, Megan Amos, Lauren Buttermore; (back, from left) coach Chris Kadvan, head coach Sam Mathias and coach Josh Sigler.
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See page 52 for the United girls preview
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46 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
WELLSVILLE TIGERS
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Wellsville boys basketball team are (front, from left) DeShaun Coles, Nick Fellure, Jordan Sloan, Brendon Carr, Nate Scott; (back, from left) head coach David Thompson, coach Lonnie Fields, Seth Bradford, Antonio Fultz, Camden Douglas, Jansen Stoakes, Sam McIntosh, coach John Stoakes and coach Jason Carter.
Wellsville all set for title run
SCHOOL: Wellsville Tigers. 2011-12 RECORD: 13-10, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier with an 8-6 mark. The Tigers were 5-3 in games decided by three points or less. They have won 13 of their last 15 games played on Tuesdays. HEAD COACH: David “Bug” Thompson is in his ninth season as head coach with a record of 119-40. He previously coached 15 years at Wellsville at various levels.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Lonnie Fields (junior varsity), John Stoakes (assistant), Jason Carter (assistant), Derek Thompson (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Five, including four starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Nate Scott (6-0 junior guard, twoyear letterwinner), Jordan Sloan (6-0 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Camden Douglas (6-3 junior guard-forward, one-year letterwinner), Brendon Carr (6-0 junior guard-forward, one-
year letterwinner), Seth Bradford (6-2 junior forward-center, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Jansen Stoakes (6-3 junior center), Sam McIntosh (6-3 junior center), Antonio Fultz (6-4 junior guard-forward), DeShawn Coles (5-8 junior guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Nigel Spann (6-2 sophomore centerforward), Nick Bayer (5-10 sophomore center), Devon Smith (5-8 sophomore guard), Tyshawn Franklin (5-8 sopho-
more center-forward), Nick Huff (5-8 sophomore guard-forward), Nick Fellure (5-11 senior center), Malik Pullie (5-11 freshman center-forward), Mitchell Reiner (5-6 freshman guard), Tyrone Ford (5-7 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Speed and a year’s experience for the juniors,” Thompson said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Young and defense,” Thompson said. The Tigers See WELLSVILLE, Page 54
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 47
Morning Journal/Wayne Maris
Members of the Wellsville girls basketball team are (front, from left) Ashley Bennett, Angelica Scarabino, Sabrina Thompson, Kallee’ Powell, Shartece Taylor, Kira Kelley; (second row, from left) Amanda Coles, Rasheeda Kalam, Abbey Thrasher, Paige Wood, Starlynn Morris, Autumn Harris, Monica Wilson; (back, from left) head coach Ed Swogger, coach Tom Gualtier, Brittany Caldwell, Codie Jackson, Dezba Petties, Destiny Crow, Brittany Clendenning, Myquia Jones, coach Mike Cook and coach Bob Swogger.
Tigers building for the future SCHOOL: Wellsville Tigers. 2011-12 RECORD: 11-11, including a 7-7 mark in the Inter-Tri County League lower tier. The Tigers won three of their last four games. They were 2-0 in games decided by two points or less. HEAD COACH: Ed Swogger is in his fifth season as head coach with a record of 37-40. He has coached 13 years at Wellsville, including the varsity interim head coach in 2004-05. ASSISTANT COACHES: Tom Gaultier (junior varsity), Bob Swogger (assistant), Mike Cook (assistant). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Six, inlcuding one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Amanda Coles (5-5 senior forward, one-year letterwinner), Monica Wilson (5-1 senior guard, one-year let-
terwinner), Kallee’ Powell (5-7 junior guard, one-year letterwinner), Brittany Clendenning (5-9 junior post, one-year letterwinner), Angelica Scarabino (5-7 sophomore guard, one-year letterwinner), Shartece Taylor (5-8 junior forward, one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Brittany Caldwell (5-10 junior post), Kira Kelley (5-4 junior forward), Sabrina Thompson (5-6 sophomore guard). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS:
Codie Jackson (5-9 sophomore post), Abbey Thrasher (5-3 sophomore guard), Rasheeda Kalam (5-4 sophomore guard), Starlynn Morris (5-3 sophomore forward), Destiny Crow (59 freshman post), Ashley Bennett (5-6 freshman post), Autumn Harris (5-3 freshman guard), Myquia Jones (5-6 freshman guard), Dezba Petties (5-8 freshman post), Paige Wood (5-6 freshman forward). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Speed,” Swogger said. “Once again this season,
we should be able to run the floor and we also have a little more height this year compared to last.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Experience,” Swogger said. “Although
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48 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
WEST BRANCH WARRIORS
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
Members of the West Branch boys basketball team are (front, from left) Drake Lohnes, Dustin Greenawalt, Reese Leone, Jacob Griffith, Jake Evanoff, Beau Taylor; (second row, from left) coach Michael Sellaroli, Kolton Kitzmiller, Matt Meiter, Lucas Austin, Kip DeShields, Jerian Thomas, Luke Wallbrown, coach Andy Pappas; (back, from left) Matthew Edie, coach Brad Smith, Zach Mucklo, head coach Lou Sellaroli, Troy James, coach Mike Leone and Mark Schwingle.
West Branch returns solid core
SCHOOL: West Branch Warriors. 2011-12 RECORD: 10-11, including a 6-8 mark in the in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. The Warriors got off to a 3-0 start before losing five of their last six games. They went 7-3 at home, including wins over East Liverpool, South Range and Salem. HEAD COACH: Lou Sellaroli returns as head coach. He was West Branch’s head coach from 1998-2003 with a record of 61-67. He also has been a varsity assistant with the West Branch girls and boys.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Brad Smith (varsity assistant), Mike Leone (varsity assistant), Scoutt Loudon (varsity assistant), Michael Sellaroli (freshmen), Andy Pappas (freshman), Alex Stull (eighth grade), Luke Butcher (eighth grade), John Hancock (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Four, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Drake Lohnes (5-8 junior point guard, two-year letterwinner), Jacob Griffith (6-7 senior post, one-year letterwinner), Beau Taylor (5-10 senior
guard, one-year letterwinner), Kip DeShields (6-5 sophomore wing, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Zack Mucklo (6-4 senior wing), Troy James (6-0 senior guard), Mark Schwingle (6-2 senior wing), Matt Edie (6-0 senior post), Kolton Kitzmiller (59 junior guard), Dustin Greenawalt (510 junior guard), Lucas Austin (6-0 junior wing), Jake Evanoff (6-1 junior guard), Luke Wallbrown (6-1 junior wing), Matt Meiter (6-1 sophomore guard), Jerian Thomas (5-11 sophomore guard).
JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Ben Grammer (6-3 junior post), Chipper Tuel (6-0 sophomore wing), Bryce Butcher (5-11 sophomore wing), Kyle Zeigler (5-10 sophomore guard), Brandon Utley (6-2 sophomore post), Justin Ingledue (6-0 sophomore guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We have good overall size and are a good rebounding team,” Sellaroli said. “There is a strong returning core of players who have good chemistry and work ethic.” See BRANCH, Page 50
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 49
Warrriors will be area’s best SCHOOL: West Branch Warriors. 2011-12 RECORD: 21-3, including a second-place finish in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference with a 12-2 mark. The Warriors were ranked 10th in the Division II state poll. Their 18-2 mark in the regular season was the best since the 2004 Division II state championship team. HEAD COACH: Walt DeShields is in his eight season as head coach with a record of 104-53. He was the West Branch girls assistant coach one year after being Louisville boys varsity assistant from 1994-2001 and West Branch freshmen boys coach from 1988-94. ASSISTANT COACHES: Brian Clark (varsity assistant), Mitch Butcher (volunteer assistant), Scott Libb (junior varsity), Liz Valerio (freshmen), Matt Thomas (eighth grade), Chris Adams (seventh grade). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seven, including two starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Melinda Trimmer (5-7 sophomore point guard, one-year letterwinner), Pavin Heath (5-10 sophomore forward, one-year letterwinner), Brittany Bryte (5-4 senior guard, two-year letterwinner), Kyla Sharp (5-7 senior guard, one-year letterwinner), Amanda Linhart (5-9 junior forward, two-year
letterwinner), Taryn Hahn (5-11 junior center, one-year letterwinner), Erica Johnson (5-9 sophomore forward, oneyear letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Allie Garrett (5-3 junior guard), Lauren Martig (5-9 junior forward), Lea Bock
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Members of the West Branch girls basketball team are (front, from left) ball girl Carly Scarpitti, Melinda Trimmer, Amanda Linhart, ball girl Alli Heffinger; (second row, from left) Brittany Bryte, manager Dru DeShields, Allie Garrett, manager Joey Clark, Kyla Sharp; (third row, from left) Lauren Martig, Erica Johnson, Taryn Hahn, Pavin Heath, Lea Bock; (back, from left) coach Liz Valerio, coach Scott Libb, head coach Walt DeShields and coach Brian Clark.
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50 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
WARRIORS,
BRANCH,
Continued from Page 48
Continued from Page 58
freshman forward), Catie Hahn (5-11 freshman center). TEAM STRENGTHS: The Warriors were 13-0 each of the past two seasons when holding to less than 40 points. They gave up an average of 33.1 points in their 21 wins, but 52.0 points per game in their three losses. “Defense is the cornerstone of our program (giving up only 35.5 points per game last season, which ranked us first overall in the NBC and the area defensively),” DeShields said. “We will continue looking for our girls to work hard and be tough on the defensive side of the ball this season. Anyother key to our success will be to compete daily in practice to improve our team mental and physical toughness.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: Even though the Warriors return seven letterwinners, the team is young with only two seniors and four juniors. The inexperience may show up on the bench. “We will need to have positive leadership from our two seniors,” DeShields said. “This team has a great amount of talented basketball players and will need to focus on the small details to be successful.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Melinda Trimmer 10.5, Rebekah Zets (graduated) 9.9, Pavin Heath 9.9; Rebounds — Pavin Heath 5.5, Rebekah Zets (graduated) 4.9; Assists — Melinda Trimmer 6.7, Rebekah Zets (graduated) 3.7; Steals — Rebekah Zets (graduated) 2.7, Melinda Trimmer 1.9, Pavin Heath 1.3; Field Goal Pct. — Pavin Heath 52 percent, Niki Carlton (graduated) 50 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Melinda Trimmer 80 percent, Pavin Heath 76 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Rebekah Zets (gradu-
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Young players that need to contribute right away,” Sellaroli said. The Warriors return four letterwinners, but not much varsity experience otherwise. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Matt Latham (graduated) 9.1, Jacob Griffith 8.2, Austen Rekolt (graduated) 7.1. Rebounds — Matt Latham (graduated) 6.6, Jacob Griffith 6.4, Austen Rekolt (graduated) 4.2; Assists — Austen Rekolt (graduated) 3.7, Matt Latham (graduated) 3.1; Steals — Matt Latham (graduated) 1.8, Drake Lohnes 1.5, Austen Rekolt (graduated) 1.4; Blocks — Jacob Griffith 2.3; Field Goal Pct. — Jacob Griffith 53 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Austen Rekolt 75 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Matt Latham (graduated) second-team All-Area. Jacob Griffith, honorable mention All-Area. Scott Muckleroy (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: West Branch has good size and hopes it will translate into more scoring. The Warriors surrendered an average of 45.3 points a game last season, but scored only 44.7. “The NBC looks to be a strong league once again for the upcoming season,” Sellaroli said. “All the teams return strong players who made great contributions to their team’s success. “We are looking for the challenges the league brings and are working hard to compete for the league title. Our nonconference schedule is very strong and we have added two new games with Canfield and Western Reserve. The players have maintained a great attitude and are looking to build on last year’s team success.”
Morning Journal/B.J. Lisko
West Branch’s Melinda Trimmer shoots over Canfield’s Paige Baker and Rachel Tinkey (24) in the Division II district title game last season at Austintown Fitch High School.
ated) honorable mention Division II All-Ohio and firstteam All-Area. Melinda Trimmer, firstteam All-Area. Pavin Heath, second-team All-Area. Niki Carlton (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Kelsie Loiselle (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: West Branch is expected to be the top team in the area and showed it with a 67-19 win over Youngstown Ursuline in the season opener. “This team has a lot of offensive weapons, but will need to focus on half-court excecution to be consistent,” DeShields said. “We return 34 points per game of 53.8 points from last season. If the girls accept their roles and we can develop good depth off of our
bench, then we have the potential to have an exciting season.” West Branch has had a lot of exciting seasons, posting at least 14 victories in 23 of the last 29 years. “These girls are excited to continue the Lady Warrior basketball tradition of excellence,” DeShields said. “There is a great mix of talent and chemistry on this team. “We had a great offseason improving as a team and individuals at summer camps, lifting weights and with Jump Stretch bands. We need to stay healthy throughout the season to be successful. If this team will embrace the moment and concentrate on playing the next game, to their potential, then they will be a lot of fun to watch.”
West Branch finished a game behind Louisville for the top spot in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference last season. The two are expected to be the top contenders again. “The NBC is a very competitive league and it will be again this season,” DeShields said. “All the teams have key players returning. Louisville is the two-time defending champions and will be considered a favorite, but there are a lof of teams in the league that will surprise you if you’re not ready to play. “Our non-league schedule will also be tough, which helps us prepare for the league and the postseason tournament. Our first goal has always been to improve everyday by working extremely hard and that will not change.”
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 51
Springfield Local comes off winning season
Area’s winningest basketball programs The combined boys and girls records of area schools for the 2011-12 basketball season: School Records East Liverpool ..................32-11 Springfield ........................32-13 Crestview .........................31-14 South Range ....................31-14 West Branch.....................31-14 Lisbon ..............................24-19 Wellsville ..........................24-21 United...............................22-24 Oak Glen..........................21-28 Minerva ............................18-26 Southern Local.................17-26 Sebring.............................17-27 East Palestine ..................15-28 Beaver Local ....................13-29 Salem...............................13-30 Leetonia .............................9-33 Columbiana........................8-34 Heartland Christian ............7-35
Pct. .744 .711 .689 .689 .689 .558 .533 .478 .429 .409 .395 .386 .349 .310 .302 .214 .190 .167
SCHOOL: Springfield Local Tigers. 2011-12 RECORD: 11-10, including a third-place finish in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier with a 9-5 mark. The Tigers got off to a 1-6 start and won five of their last seven games. They were 0-3 in games decided by three points or less. HEAD COACH: Jim Schuler enters his third season as head coach with a record of 16-26. He previously was Springfield’s junior varsity girls coach for two years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Huffman (assistant), Danielle Daltorio (junior varsity). RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Two, including one starter. RETURNING VARSITY PLAY-
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ERS: Baylee Felger (junior guard-forward, two-year letterwinner), Jillian Tabaka (junior forward, two-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Alexa Packard (senior guard-forward), Kennedy Richey (junior guard), Callie Ford (sophomore guard), Mary Ritter (sophomore guard), Emily Stacey (sophomore guard), Joanie Foster (sophomore forward). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Valerie Kinsey (freshman guard), Audrey Dearing (freshman guard), Madison Bender (freshman guard-forward), Quinn Crowe (freshman forward), Kasey Kohler (freshman forward-guard), Devon Asher (freshman forward-guard), Christina Brinsey (freshman forward), Jade Long (freshman guard), Katie Leipply (freshman guard). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Hardworking, focused group that is very competitive by nature,” Schuler
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said. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Lack of experience,” Schuler said. “A very young team.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Brooke Schrieber (graduated) 12.7. Baylee Felger 7.3; Rebounds — Brooke Schrieber (graduated) 6.4; Assists — Lexi Zubick (graduated) 3.2; Steals — Lexi Zubick (graduated) 3.3, Brooke Schrieber (graduated) 2.5; Blocks — Brooke Schrieber (graduated) 1.4; Field Goal Pct. — Kim Taylor (graduated) 44 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Andrea Zubick 55 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Brooke Schrieber (graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and second-team All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers carry a five-game winning streak in the Inter-Tri County League upper tier into the new season. “We lost five seniors from last season, four of which had significant experience, so we have many holes to fill,” Schuler said. “I look forward to seeing the younger players step up to the challenge of filling those voids.” The Tigers went 9-3 when scoring more than 40 points last season. “The ITCL is always competitive,” Schuler said. “I would expect United and South Range to be among the top teams. Our schedule includes Mooney, Lowellville, Poland, so it will be challenging.”
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52 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
Eagles aim for fifth straight ITCL SCHOOL: United Golden Eagles. 2011-12 RECORD: 21-4, including a fourth striaght Inter-Tri County League upper tier title with a 14-0 mark. The Eagles captured their second district title in four years, falling to eventual state semifinalist Smithville. They won their last 10 regular-season games and 19 of their last 21 home games. HEAD COACH: Sam Mathias is in his second season as head coach. He was the Morning Journal AllArea Coach of the Year and Columbiana County Coach of the Year. He was the head coach at Sebring for seven seasons with a record of 35-32. He also was the junior varsity boys coach at Sebring for four years. ASSISTANT COACHES: Josh Sigler, Chris Kadvan, Dianna Barley, Buster Woolf, Jeanne Woolf. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eight, including three starters. RETURNING VARSITY PLAYERS: Emily Zehentbauer (senior, two-year letterwinner), Cassidy Yoder (senior, two-year letterwinner), Mackenzie Gatchel (junior, two-year letterwinner), Samantha Spitler (senior, two-year letterwinner), Tara Gray (senior, two-year letterwinner), Allison Parks (junior, one-year letterwinner), MacKenzie Firth (sophomore, one-year letterwinner), Jenna Plummer (sophomore one-year letterwinner). INCOMING VARSITY PLAYERS: Mollie Phillis (senior), Courtney Hydrick (senior), Sydney Moats (sophomore). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Elle Smith (junior), Amanda Hall (sophomore), Kassie Chestnut (freshman), Morgan Smith (freshman), Lauren Beech (freshman), Jackie Bentfeld (freshman), Rachel Amos (freshman), Megan Amos (freshman), Shania Miller (freshman), Haylee Hawk (freshman), Lauren Buttermore (freshman). TEAM STRENGTHS: “We return a lot of experience from last year’s group that made it to regional play,” Mathias said. “We have added some size and speed wtih new players coming out this season. This group is very competitive, hungry to win and excited to be in basketball season. Our younger players return after a successful seasonand great summer program. The level in practice is high and intense. We have our goals we work toward each day and understand we have to improve one day at a time to achieve our goals. This team has a lot of heart and drive to be better than previous United basketball teams. It is fun to coach them because they are willing learners and challenge themselves eady day to get better.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We are not the same team from last season,” Mathias said. “We lost major experience and leadership with our three graduates. We will be working to find our leaders of this team that will be able to handle the responsibilities. We must come together as a team and find out what roles each player must play for the whole group to be suc-
Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
United’s Sam Spitler goes over Smithville’s Kylie Frizell in Divison III regional action at Cuyahoga Falls on March 7, 2012.
cessful. We must avoid injuries throughout the season. We are not deep and get very inexperienced if a couple injuries happen. We will have to prepare hard for each challenge. So physically and mentally, we will have to become stronger to be successful this season.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Taylor Smith (graduated) 10.0, Cassidy Yoder 9.2, Emily Zehentbauer 8.5; Rebounds — Taylor Smith (graduated) 7.0, Cassidy Yoder 5.5, Sam Spitler 4.4; Assists — Mackenzie Gatchel 4.0, Emily Zehentbauer 2.0; Steals — Emily Zehentbauer 2.5; Field Goal Pct. — Taylor Smith (graduated) 54 percent, CassidyYoder 48 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Emily Zehentbauer 68 percent, Cassidy Yoder 61 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Taylor Smith
(graduated) honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Emily Zehentbauer, honorable mention All-Area.. Cassidy Yoder, honorable mention All-Area. Mackenzie Gatchel, honorable mention All-Area. Sam Spitler, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: After four straight ITCL upper tier titles, it doesn’t seem like anything can slow down the Eagles. “Expectations are high in our program,” Mathias said. “We pride ourselves in working hard and competiting at a high level. Our league and non-league games are going to be challenging each night. We have the top two teams in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference (Carrollton and West Branch) on our schedule that adds a huge degree of difficulty for us.” “We have added Lowellville, which has won the last four league titles in the lower tier. The addition of two more games addes to an already hectic basketball season. We will continue to work hard and improve each day. We know we have a target on our backs being the defending league champions and district champions. We embrace the challenge of taking everyone’s best shot each night because we know it will only make us better as we go through the season.” The Eagles win with defense, going 20-0 when holding opponents to less than 45 points last season. They gave up an average of 32.5 points in their 21 wins and 52.8 points in their four losses. “Our league will be very competitive with most teams returning a core group from last season,” Mathias said “South Range has to be considered front runners because of their season last year and a nice group of younger players who will be stepping up to fill in holes left from graduation. “Crestview has one of the best player/coach combinations in the area. Coach Gates knows how to get teams ready to compete and win. Jackson-Milton moves up this season and has a load of of experience on their team. They have been battle tested by the great teams Lowellville and Western Reserve have had in recent years and nothing this year is going to surprise them. They will be a very dangerous team for all league opponents. Lisbon has a solid core group back with Pam Pierce leading the way. Coach Thompson has them headed in the right direction and has a strong freshmen class coming in to build upon. Springfield lost their main scoring threats from last season, but their JV group was hard working and successful. They have something to build on and if the pieces fall together quickly, they could make some noise in the league this season. East Palestine is experienced, but have to learn to finish games and win. The girls work hard for their coach and coule play spoiler if other teams overlook them. Mineral Ridge lost their main scores and ball handlers. They will need to improve quickly.”
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 53
SALEM,
RANGE,
Continued from Page 34
Continued from Page 38
“The team and coaches are looking forward to an exciting season,” Hart said. “Salem returns nine players with varsity experience. We are hoping that experience and hard work can change the outcome of last year’s nine close losses. The team has a great attitude and tremendous senior leadership.” Salem should be one of several teams in contention for the Northeastern Buckeye Conference title. “Alliance is the returning champ and Marlington has Lucas Strouble, who can dominate any game,” Hart said. “Carrollton and Canton South return all five starters and West Branch, Alliance and Louisville can all win the league. It should be a very competitive league race.” The Quakers will be tested from the start with road games at South Range, West Branch and Struthers to open the season.
and willingness to defend with intensity, which will be a strength for us this year. This group also plays well together and with confidence as they lose only two games a year ago as a junior varsity team.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “We return very little varsity experience and have been hit hard by injury as three varsity players are currently out to due surgery after sustaining fall sports injuries. Although this has allowed some younger guys to step up and contribute.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Dan Good (graduated) 15.4, Brandon Pluchinsky (graduated) 14.4, Jordan Baker (graduated) 11.5, Andy Lacefield (graduated) 9.2; Rebounds — Dan Good (graduated) 8.4; Assists — Andy Lacefield (graduated) 5.2, Brandon Pluchinsky (graduated) 3.1; Steals — Andy Lacefield (graduated) 3.8; Field Goal Pct. — Dan Good (graduated) 67.3 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Brandon Pluchinsky (graduated) 81.8 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Brandon Pluchinsky (graduated) special mention Division III All-Ohio and secondteam All-Area. Dan Good (graduated) honorable mention Division III All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Andy Lacefield (graduated) honorable
RYAN BUSH Salem
QUAKERS, Continued from Page 35
have had three years of varsity experience and are very hungry for this season. They are going to be great leaders this year.” Seniors Lindsey Foster and Katherine Stiff give the Quakers an inside-outside combination to build on. TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Only four upperclassmen in our top 10,” Farina said. “A few of our players have zero varsity experience.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Katherine Stiff 9.2, Lindsey Foster 9.1, Megan Lehwald 6.3; Rebounds — Lindsey Foster 8.9; Blocks — Lindsey Foster 2.0; Free Throw Pct. — Katherine Stiff 74 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Katherine Stiff, honorable mention All-Area. Lindsey Foster, honorable mention All-Area.
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Quakers are coming off of back-toback losing seasons for the second time in 38 years of Salem girls basketball. They gave up an average of 29.8 points in their four wins and 52.5 points in their 17 losses. “We have some experience coming back this year and some great senior leaders,” Farina said. “We had a good preseason and are excited for games to begin.” The Quakers went 0-7 against non-conference foes last season and learned a lot in their first season in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. “We were new to the league last year and learned quickly how competitive it is,” Farina said. “We are more familiar with the NBC now and hope to compete with most of the teams.”
mention All-Area. Jordan Baker (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders were looking to make a run at the ITCL upper tier title until losing three possible starters to football injuries. Ross Stoffer, a returning starter, along with Zach Thorpe will miss the entire season due to injuries and Cole Krumpak is expected to miss the first part of the season. Look for the Raiders to grow as the season goes. “Our ability to challenge teams defensively will dictate our success this year,” Purins said. “We will need to develop some scoring and we’re hoping that our defense can help us to do that. Our seniors are a physical and tough group of guys who trust each other, and that’s a strong foundation. We also have a strong out of league schedule, which will hopefully prepare us for our league opponents. “The league has to go through Springfield as returning champs, but Crestview and East Palestine also should contend. Jackson-Milton also enters this year as league champs, having won the lower tier a year ago. It should make for some exciting games.”
RAIDERS, Continued from Page 39
Rebounding and shooting will have to improve.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Lexi Naples 14.4, Kristin Robinson (graduated) 9.9; Rebounds — Kristin Robinson (graduated) 5.7, Lexi Naples 4.8, Starla Sharp 4.8; Assists — Lexi Naples 4.1, Stevie Taylor 3.9; Steals — Lexi Naples 5.4; Field Goal Pct. — Lexi Naples 44 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Lexi Naples 68 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Lexi Naples, special mention Division III AllOhio and first-team All-Area. Kristin Robinson (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Kelsey Maynard (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Graduation hit South Range hard again, but the Raiders have enough talent to make some noise.
“It will be hard to replace four seniors,” Johnson said. “We will be very young and varsity inexperienced. We will need to work hard everyday and work to get better everyday.” South Range is tough to beat at home, winning 18 of the last 21 games there. “We have the most difficult schedule,” Johnson said. “In addition to league, we play Struthers, Poland, Mooney, West Branch, Lowellville and Columbiana. There are no easy nights.” A season-opening loss to Columbiana shows the Raiders there is still work to be done. “The league is very strong with United, Springfield and Crestview as the top three,” Johnson said. “Lisbon, JacksonMilton and South Range could/should be in the mix.”
54 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012
WELLSVILLE,
SPRINGFIELD,
Continued from Page 46
Continued from Page 42
were 8-0 when they gave up less than 50 points last season and 5-10 when they allowed 50 or more points. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Nate Scott 15.8, Jordan Sloan 11.1, Josh Carter (graduated) 10.3, Seth Bradford 10.1, Camden Douglas 9.7; Rebounds — Josh Carter (graduated) 9.0, Camden Douglas 8.0, Seth Bradford 6.0; Assists — Nate Scott 4.5, Jordan Sloan 4.0; Field Goal Pct. — Seth Bradford 64 percent, Nate Scott 57 percent, Camden Douglas 50 percent, Jordan Sloan 48 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Camden Douglas 70 percent, Nate Scott 68 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Nate Scott, honorable mention Division IV All-Ohio and secondteam All-Area. Josh Carter (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Jordan Sloan, honorable mention All-Area.
SEASON OUTLOOK: A rebuilding season was still a winning season at Wellsville. The Tigers lost one senior from last season’s 13-win team and will build off that success. “We lost Josh Carter with a 10point average per game and nine rebounds,” Thompson said. “We will play many until we find out who fits in.” Wellsville should be one of the teams in contention in the ITCL lower tier. The Tigers are hoping the year of experience will help them out in close games. Five of their six league losses last season were by six points or less. “McDonald and Southern Local are the league favorites,” Thompson said. “League games are always tough. We have to play strong and need to play better on the road (2-8 in the regular season last year).”
TIGERS, Continued from Page 47
we have six returning letterwinners, only the returning starter saw considerable varsity time. Monica Wilson was another starter at the begining of the season, but tore her ACL in game three and was out for the season.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Mikyla Tipton (graduated) 19.6, Shartece Taylor 8.7, Rilee Livolsi (graduated) 5.6; Rebounds — Mikyla Tipton (graduated) 7.5, Rilee Livolsi (graduated) 6.1; Assists — Mikyla Tipton (graduated) 2.8, Shartece Taylor 2.5; Steals — Mikyla Tipton (graduated) 3.3, Irene Kiser (graduated) 1.8; Blocks — Rilee Livolsi 3.0; Field Goal Pct. — Mikyla Tipton (graduated) 65.5 percent, Brittany Clendenning 45.8 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Irene Kiser (graduated) 65.0 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Mikyla Tipton (graduated) special mention Division IV All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Shartece Taylor, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: Wellsville begins life after Mikyla Tipton, the
area’s leading scorer the past three seasons and Wellsville’s all-time leading scorer with 1,543 career points. “With only one returning starter, this is a season of ‘next girl up’ with losing the bulk or our work load in the four graduated seniors,” Swogger said. “Also, not returning this season is Maleya Fultz due to a back injury. She also only played three games last season.” Defense will be key for the Tigers, who gave up an average of 41.8 points in their wins last season and 67.2 points in their losses. “We have to stiffen up the defense this season since we no longer have a 20-point per game scorer,” Swogger said. “So far the girls are working extremely hard, they know there are spots to fill. “Attitudes have been great and the gym has been full of excitement for the season. We will need to run the floor, play good defense and be in good physical condition to be successful.”
Ron Rogers (graduated) 17.1, Eoghan Bees 9.5, Nick Russell (graduated) 9.3, Tom Mastran (graduated) 7.3; Rebounds — Nick Russell (graduated) 7.0, Ron Rogers (graduated) 5.9; Assists — Nick Russell (graduated) 2.5; Steals — Nick Russell (graduated) 2.5; Blocks — Nick Russell (graduated) 4.5; Field Goal Pct. — Jared McTigue 54 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Ron Rogers (graduated) 73 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Ron Rogers (graduated) second-team Division III All-Ohio and first-team All-Area. Nick Russell (graduated) first-team All-Area. Eoghan Bees, honorable mention All-Area. Jared McTigue, honorable mention
All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: “Our schedule has gotten tougher with the addition of Poland along with Brookfield, Lowellville, McDonald and Girard,” Fender said. “In order for us to replace those five great seniors we lost, we will have to play exceptional defense and take care of the basketball.” Jared McTigue and Mark Schuler return to anchor the Tigers’ defense inside after allowing an area-best 43.2 points a game last season. “As always, the upper tier of the ITCL looks to be very competitive,” Fender said. “All teams in the upper tier lost great seniors, so I think everyone will look to compete with us for a league title.”
SEBRING, Continued from Page 36
50 points last sesason. 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Dakota Wagner (graduated) 12.0, Jake Hubbs (graduated) 10.2, Corey Baia (graduated) 8.3, Mitch Baddeley (graduated) 7.7. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Dakota Wagner (graduated) first-team All-Area. Jake Hubbs (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. Corey Baia (graduated) honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans have their work cut out for them as they return only two seniors and just over 5 percent of its scoring from last season. “We’re going to be really young and untested this year,” Baia said. “We have just one player back with varsity experi-
ence. It’s gonna be a process of figuring out rotations and who plays well with who. We’re just going to try to play hard every night and hopefully good things come from that.” The Trojans expect to be more competitive as the season goes along. “You’ve got to go with McDonald as the favorite,” Baia said. “They have coach Jeff Rasile back and I’m sure they’re excited about that, and they have some key players back as well. Wellsville has just about everybody back except for Josh Carter. Lowellville, Southern and Western Reserve are all going to be in the mix. We’ll be in the mix. “We’ll compete every night. We might be a little down because of our youth, but hopefully we’ll be in the top third by the time the season’s over.”
TROJANS, Continued from Page 37
for the first time in years, joining 35 other teams in Sherrodsville. “Weopened against Twinsburg. They got to see some good teams there and how they play,” Eaton said. “We were the smallest team there. I think that was a good overall experience and kind of bonded us as a team.” Eaton sees Lowellville as the favorite
again in the ITCL lower tier. “Until someone beats Lowellville, they are still the league champs,” he said. “Now Columbiana dropped down to our tier this year and they have a new coach. “A lot of teams lost a lot of good seniors. There were six 1,000-point scorers in the league who graduated.
Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • 55
SOUTHERN,
SOUTHERN GIRLS,
Continued from Page 40
Continued from Page 41
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Last year we had trouble closing out games,” Whittaker said. “We hope that this will be corrected by having a senior-led group. We also need to be more consistent offensively by focusing on shot selection.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Luke Griffith 16.8, J.J. Napierkowski 9.3, Kyler Woodward 8.5; Field Goal Pct. — Luke Griffith 48 percent; Free Throw Pct. — Luke Griffith 80 percent. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED: Luke Griffith, second-team All-Area. J.J. Napierkowski, honorable mention All-Area. Kyler Woodward, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians got off to a good start last season until Luke Griffith went down with an ankle injury. They went 2-4 with him out of the lineup and the Indians need him to stay healthy this season. “We will play a tougher out of confer-
ence schedule featuring Beaver Local and Edison and we open with a Lisbon team that beat us last year,” Whittaker said. “We will have to replace Damin Beadnell and Jared Sevek, two tough defenders, and we are looking for a point guard to emerge to take Beadnell’s place.” Southern Local had one of the area’s top defensive teams last season, holding opponents to 44.9 points a game. The Indians have the size and strength inside — with four players at least 6-foot-4 that should make them tough in the half-court game. The Indians will be in contention again this season in the ITCL lower tier. “The lower tier should be very competitive with McDonald entering the season as the league favorite,” Whittaker said. “Wellsville also returns a very good team and Leetonia and Western Reserve should be very competitive. We hope to be in the mix for the league title as well.”
Abby Smalley (5-7 freshman guardpost). JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYERS: Casey Howdershelt (5-5 junior guard), Jenna Jackson (5-6 sophomore post), Kristen Gossellin (5-7 sophomore post), Tiffany Baker (5-2 sophomore guard), Mikayla Mosch (5-6 freshman post). TEAM STRENGTHS: “Our strength will be our size inside and out,” Leek said. “We have four post players that can rebound very well. Our guard, Kati Hipsley and Beckah Phillis, also rebound very well.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Our experience after our starters,” Leek said. “We have some young players stepping up and playing well in the preseason.” 2011-12 LEADERS: Scoring — Rachel Coil 9.8, Kati Hipsley 8.6, Jennah Phillis (graduated) 7.9; Rebounds — Rachel Coil 10.0. 2011-12 PLAYERS HONORED:
Rachel Coil, honorable mention AllArea. Kati Hipsley, honorable mention All-Area. SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians return three starters to the lineup. “We have our top two returning scorers in Kati Hipsley and Rachel Coil,” Leek said. “Kati stepped into a scoring role last season when we lost Maddy Dowling (due to injury). Beckah Phillis is ready to step up this season.” The Indians were 5-0 when holding oppontents to less than 40 points last season. “The league will be well rounded this year,” Leek said. “I belive Lowellville is still the team to beat. Columbiana will also be a tough matchup. The rest of the league teams lost some key seniors, so it will make for an exciting race.”
Good Luck To All Area Teams For A Great Season!
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56 • Morning Journal Basketball Preview 2012 • Friday, November 30, 2012 The Morning Journal’s 2012-13 Basketball Preview is dedicated in memory of coach John Cabas (right), who died July 16. Cabas had a 432-192 record in 33 seasons as a basketball coach, including 22 seasons at Salem along with Elyria, Columbiana, Wellsville, Chester (W. Va.) and Salineville. He guided Columbiana to the 1947 Class B state championship — still Columbiana County’s only state basketball champion — and state runner-up finishes in 1945 at Columbiana and in 1959 at Salem. The gymasium at Salem High School was named in his honor in 2001.
Some of the area’s top players pictured on the cover are (from left) Lisbon’s Pam Pierce, United’s Emily Zehentbauer, Crestview’s Ashley Harrison and South Range’s Lexi Naples. Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer
Let our team keep you in the game.